Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

Are you in the mood for something creamy, dreamy, and flavorful? If so, this delicious chicken bacon ranch casserole is for you!

It’s packed with cheesy goodness and plenty of tender chicken chunks.

Plus, you get a hearty helping of chewy pasta in creamy Alfredo sauce in every bowl.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

One forkful of this comforting chicken dinner will wash your worries away. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy with family and friends.

Imagine juicy chicken mixed with crispy, salty bacon smothered in a creamy ranch sauce.

And let’s not forget the melty cheese! It adds gooey goodness to every bite.

This is one of those chicken casserole recipes you’ll want on repeat.

So what are you waiting for? Dive into a bowl of chicken bacon ranch casserole and experience the mouthwatering magic for yourself!

Ingredients

As much as I love homemade pasta sauces, this recipe is all about convenience. And that means store-bought!

Because sometimes, we don’t have time to make everything from scratch. And that’s okay!

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple casserole recipe:

• Chicken Breast – The mild flavor absorbs the rich, creamy goodness of the casserole so well.

• Bacon – For a smoky, savory taste.

• Pasta – I used penne, but feel free to use whatever you prefer. Make sure to cook it al dente for a chewy, pleasing bite.

• Alfredo Sauce – Use a pre-made jar of Alfredo sauce to cut the cooking time. Or try this homemade Alfredo sauce if you prefer.

• Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix – To add the signature tangy, zesty flavor of ranch dressing to the dish. 

• Italian Seasoning – For an aromatic backdrop to complement this dish’s rich, cheesy flavors.

• Parmesan – The sharp, nutty flavor add depth to the dish.

• Mozzarella – For a fun, melty element. The mild, milky flavor pairs well with the other cheeses and ingredients.

• Cheddar Cheese – For a decadent and cheesy topping.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This casserole is super simple. But it’s not a one-pot recipe. Instead, you need to cook the chicken, bacon, and pasta first.

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe. You’ll find more details at the bottom of the post.

1. Preheat the oven and lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook the bacon and brown the chicken. Transfer the cooked bacon to t plate. Leave the chicken in the skillet, off the heat.

3. Cook the pasta. When it’s al dente, drain it and add it back to the pot. Add the chicken and half of the bacon.

4. Make and assemble the casserole. Add the Alfredo sauce, grated parmesan, ranch, and Italian seasoning to the pot and mix well. Then, pour it all into the casserole dish.

5. Add the cheese and bake. Top the casserole with the mozzarella, cheddar, and remaining bacon. Then, bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Now it’s ready to serve!

I like to let the dish cool a little bit before serving. It allows the sauce to thicken, which makes it even more tasty. 5-10 minutes is more than enough.

Tips for the Best Chicken Casserole

Do you want to ensure your chicken casserole turns out beautifully every time? Keep these tips in mind:

• Use rotisserie or any pre-cooked chicken for an easier and quicker cooking time.

• Cook the bacon until it’s barely crispy but not overdone before mixing it into the casserole. It ensures a perfect balance of flavors and lends a smoky and chewy texture.

• Use different types of pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or even zucchini noodles. Other kinds of pasta will give your casserole a fun twist and a unique texture.

• Add colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for extra nutrients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to balance the dish’s richness.

• Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Add some garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a kick of flavor.

• Top it with green onions, fresh parsley, or bread crumbs. It’ll make your casserole extra flavorful and Instagram-worthy!

What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Looking for a way to take this hearty dish up a notch? Here are some delicious ideas you should try!

1. Garlic Bread – A classic option that goes well with almost any casserole. Garlic bread adds a nice crunch and soaks up the luscious sauce.
2. Salad – A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy dressing perfectly contrasts the creamy casserole. I like this 1905 salad!
3. Roasted Vegetables – Roasting veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or air-fryer Brussels sprouts add a healthy touch to the meal.
4. Crispy Onion Rings – Onion rings add a crispy, savory crunch to the meal. Plus, their subtle sweetness provides a nice contrast to the ranch and bacon flavors.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftover chicken bacon ranch casserole, don’t fret! You can still enjoy this dish for days to come.

To Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

To Reheat: When it’s time to savor this mouthwatering masterpiece again, you have two options.

• On the stove – place leftovers into a skillet with a splash of water or more Alfredo sauce. Heat on low, stirring constantly until hot.
• In the microwave – place leftovers into a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, stirring between each turn.

Note: this casserole does not freeze well. The pasta will turn mushy after thawing and the dairy often splits when thawed.

More Chicken Casserole Recipes To Try

Million Dollar Chicken
Chicken Divan
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Chicken Pot Pie with Crescent Rolls

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Course: DinnerCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

807

kcal

If you want something creamy and flavorful, this chicken bacon ranch casserole is for you! It’s jam-packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken. Yum!

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound bacon, chopped

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes

• 8 ounces penne

• 15 -20 ounces Alfredo sauce (see notes)

• 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Add the bacon to a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. Cook until crispy, then transfer it to a plate.
• In the same skillet over medium heat, cook the cubed chicken until brown on all sides. This should take about 6-7 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove the pan from the heat.
• While the chicken cooks, cook the pasta in a large pot to al dente, per the instructions on the box. Drain and pour it back into the pot.
• Add the chicken, half of the bacon, the Alfredo sauce, ranch seasoning mix, grated parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
• Pour the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Top with the mozzarella, cheddar, and the remaining bacon.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
• Let the dish sit on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with sliced onions, if desired, then serve, and enjoy.

Notes

• Adjust the sauce according to your needs. Some pre-made sauces are thicker/thinner than others.
• The calories listed are an estimate and will change depending on the brand and quantity of sauce used.

Nutrition

• Calories: 807kcal
• Carbohydrates: 112g
• Protein: 39.3g
• Fat: 21.4g
• Saturated Fat: 6.3g
• Cholesterol: 195mg
• Sodium: 612mg
• Potassium: 533mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0.1g
• Calcium: 181mg
• Iron: 7mg

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