Friend made this for dinner, and it was a big hit—I had to ask for the recipe! Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a delightful comfort food that has quickly become a family favorite in our home.
With its creamy ranch flavor, tender chicken, salty bacon, and melted cheese, this dish is as heartwarming as a Midwestern hug. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, bringing everyone together around the table with smiles and satisfied tummies.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheese makes for a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this casserole perfect for weeknight dinners.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or gluten-free ingredients.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or bringing to a potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 cups cooked and shredded chicken: A great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken.
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the ranch seasoning.
2 cups dry pasta (penne or rotini work well): Holds the creamy sauce well and provides a hearty base for the casserole.
1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Infuses the dish with that classic tangy ranch flavor.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy, savory base for the casserole.
1 cup sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tang to the sauce.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a sharp, cheesy flavor.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a gooey, stretchy texture and mild flavor.
1 cup milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Chicken Options: Use leftover roasted chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. Cooked turkey works well too.
Bacon Alternatives: For a lighter option, use turkey bacon or omit it altogether.
Cheese Variations: Try a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Add Veggies: Incorporate steamed broccoli, peas, spinach, or bell peppers to add color and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this dish gluten-free.
Instructions: How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and cooked pasta to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the creamy ranch mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of sides to create a balanced meal:
Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.
Mashed Potatoes: For a more indulgent meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Creative Variations
Veggie-Packed Version: Add steamed broccoli, peas, spinach, or bell peppers to the casserole mix for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
Crispy Topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter over the top before baking for an extra crispy topping.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pasta with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version.
Final Note
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the flavors of creamy ranch, tender chicken, salty bacon, and melted cheese into one delicious, satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special family meal, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.
So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of this fantastic casserole. Happy cooking!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups dry pasta penne or rotini recommended
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and cooked pasta to the bowl. Stir until everything is well coated with the creamy ranch mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.