Warm, creamy, and utterly crave-worthy, this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish. Combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a melty cheese sauce, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to bring everyone to the table for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This epic casserole is the epitome of cozy, comforting goodness. The rich, velvety cheese sauce envelops tender chicken and crispy bacon, creating a lush, indulgent flavor profile that’s both satisfying and utterly craveable. Plus, it’s a breeze to throw together, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its hearty, zesty, and bright flavors, this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
To make this irresistible Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, you’ll need a few simple, yet flavorful ingredients. The star of the show is juicy, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are paired with crispy bacon and a creamy, melty cheese sauce made with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Savory ranch seasoning, tangy sour cream, and fresh herbs like chives and parsley tie all the flavors together for a dish that’s truly craveable.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp – Ranch seasoning
- 1 cup – Sour cream
- 2 tbsp – Chopped fresh chives
- 2 tbsp – Chopped fresh parsley
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Ground turkey or ground chicken (for a different texture)
- Bacon: Plant-based bacon alternative (for a vegetarian version)
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prep Work
Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and cook the bacon until crispy. Shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and chop the fresh herbs.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid, then add the cooked bacon, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the cheesy chicken and bacon mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheeses, then bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For the ultimate crispy, golden-brown topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Garnish the hot, melty casserole with fresh chopped chives and parsley for a bright, zesty finish. Serve this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole hot and enjoy the epic, comforting flavors!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add-Ins: Try adding diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach to the casserole for extra veggies.
- Serve Over: For a heartier meal, serve the casserole over cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- Cheese Twist: Swap in crumbled feta or blue cheese for a tangy twist on the classic cheese blend.
- Time-Saving: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time on the prep.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Nutrition Information
This hearty, comforting casserole packs a nutritional punch. Each serving provides a balance of protein from the chicken and bacon, along with essential vitamins and minerals from the fresh herbs and vegetables. While it’s an indulgent dish, the portion size and nutrient-dense ingredients make it a satisfying and balanced meal.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbs: 9 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use cooked chicken instead of raw. This is a great way to use up any leftover chicken you have on hand. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the cheese sauce.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free ranch seasoning and ensure all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free. You can also swap the flour in the cheese sauce for a gluten-free alternative, like cornstarch or almond flour.
How can I make this casserole lighter?
For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat or low-fat cheeses, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also cut back on the amount of cheese or use just one type of cheese.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a delightful blend of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 cup ranch dressing
2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, cooked pasta, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. If using, gently fold in the broccoli florets.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
10.
Notes
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole for extra nutrition.
You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chicken, bacon, ranch, casserole, comfort food