Introduction
Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing, creamy, and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a rich ranch flavor, this dish is a family favorite that’s both comforting and satisfying.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, along with tips, variations, and storage instructions. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe is a must-try!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour!
✅ Creamy & Cheesy – Loaded with rich flavors.
✅ Protein-Packed – High in protein from chicken and bacon.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Great for leftovers.
✅ Family-Approved – Kids and adults love it!
Let’s dive into the recipe!
- Preparation Time
15 minutes - Cooking Time
20 minutes - Serves
6-8 adults - Difficulty
Easy
📝 Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 8 oz bacon (cooked & crumbled)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (16 oz) package penne pasta (or any short pasta)
Creamy Ranch Sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- In the baking dish, mix cooked pasta, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheeses.
- Pour the ranch sauce over the mixture and stir until well coated.
Step 5: Add Topping (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Sprinkle over the casserole for a crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness (optional).
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
🔀 Ingredient Swaps
- Pasta → Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Chicken → Swap with turkey, shrimp, or rotisserie chicken.
- Bacon → Try turkey bacon or ham for a different flavor.
- Cheese → Use pepper jack, Colby, or Gouda for extra richness.
🌶️ Spicy Version
- Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
🥦 Veggie-Packed Option
- Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
📦 Storage & Reheating Tips
❄️ Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (thaw before reheating).
🔥 Reheating
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
- ✔ Use pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie or grilled) for faster prep.
- ✔ Crisp the bacon well for extra texture.
- ✔ Don’t overcook pasta – it will soften more while baking.
- ✔ Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Nutrition Facts
(Per serving – based on 8 servings)
Calories: 520-550
Macronutrients:
- Protein: 32-35g
- Fat: 28-32g
- Saturated Fat: 14-16g
- Carbohydrates: 35-38g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugars: 3-4g
Key Nutrients (% Daily Value):
- Calcium: 30% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Sodium: 45% DV
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! It’s easy to customize, great for meal prep, and always a hit with family and friends.
Try it tonight and let us know how it turns out in the comments! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with fellow food lovers.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
2. Can I use homemade ranch dressing instead of a packet?
Absolutely! Use ½ cup homemade ranch dressing + extra seasoning to taste.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and ranch seasoning.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 8 oz bacon (cooked & crumbled)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 16 oz package penne pasta (or any short pasta)
Creamy Ranch Sauce
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1 oz packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything
- In the baking dish, mix cooked pasta, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheeses.
- Pour the ranch sauce over the mixture and stir until well coated.
Add Topping (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Sprinkle over the casserole for a crunchy topping.
Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness (optional).
Garnish & Serve
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
