Gather your loved ones around the table for a comforting and flavorful dish that will have them coming back for seconds. Our Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a cozy and indulgent masterpiece that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious ranch-infused cream sauce for a truly craveable experience.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food that delivers on both flavor and satisfaction. The creamy, ranch-infused sauce envelops tender chicken and crispy bacon for a truly epic and hearty meal. It’s the perfect balance of cozy, indulgent, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to become a new household favorite.
Ingredients
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole features a simple yet flavorful ingredient list. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, crispy bacon, a rich and creamy sauce made with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and milk or cream. Shredded cheddar cheese and fresh herbs like chives or parsley add the finishing touches.
- 1.5 lbs – Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 6 Slices – Crispy Bacon
- 8 oz – Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 Packet – Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 1 Cup – Milk or Heavy Cream
- 2 Cups – Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Tbsp – Chopped Chives or Parsley (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Turkey or Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (convenient swap)
- Bacon: Plant-based Bacon Alternative (dietary swap)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
Step 1: Prep Work
In a large skillet, melt the cream cheese over medium heat. Whisk in the ranch seasoning and milk or cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the diced chicken and stir to coat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Transfer the creamy chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, creamy, and comforting goodness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Zing: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- Cheese Blend: Swap out the cheddar for a blend of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Parmesan.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
- Complete Meal: Serve the casserole with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A side salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until piping hot.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Information
This comforting casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling warm and content. Each serving provides a balance of protein from the chicken and bacon, as well as creamy, indulgent flavors from the cheese and sauce.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbs: 8 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled ingredients.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses. Each will add its own unique flavor and melty texture to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and bacon, and replace them with your favorite roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers. The creamy, ranch-infused sauce will still be delicious with the vegetable-based casserole.
How can I make this casserole more spicy?
If you’re looking for a little extra heat, try adding a teaspoon or two of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also dice up some fresh jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese for a subtler kick of spice.
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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce, it’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Stir in the cooked pasta and frozen mixed vegetables until well combined.
4. 4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. 5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. 7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. 8. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
• You can substitute the chicken with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
• Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap the cheese for a different kind.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken, bacon, ranch, casserole, comfort food