Cozy up with a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a melty, cheesy masterpiece, packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, ranch-infused sauce. It’s the ultimate in comfort food bliss, perfect for lazy nights in or easy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for Cozy Nights
This casserole is a true showstopper, combining all the best flavors and textures for a dish that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. The creamy, velvety sauce is infused with zesty ranch seasoning, perfectly complementing the tender chicken and smoky bacon. Topped with a layer of melty, golden cheese, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to throw together, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple list of ingredients that come together to create a flavor-packed, indulgent dish. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, crispy bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and a few basic pantry staples.
- 4 cups – Shredded cooked chicken
- 6 slices – Crispy bacon, chopped
- 8 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Sour cream
- 1 packet – Ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier twist
- Bacon: Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a meatless option
How to Make Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for Cozy Nights
This casserole is easy to throw together, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, cook the bacon until crispy and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning, mixing until well incorporated.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Spread the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, then top with the crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving, then dive in and enjoy the epic, cozy comfort.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a can of condensed cream of chicken or mushroom soup for an even creamier texture.
- Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream.
- Veggie Add-In: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or other veggies to boost the nutrition.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, comforting dinner.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the cold dish.
Nutrition Information
This casserole is a rich, indulgent dish, but it’s also packed with protein from the chicken and bacon. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, 30g of protein, and 25g of fat, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving swap for the cooked chicken in this recipe.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the cold dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free bacon and ranch seasoning.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Bake as directed, then let cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up all the creamy, comforting flavors.
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Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for Cozy Nights
- 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 hearty and delicious dish, perfect for cozy nights. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and flavorful ranch seasoning, it’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
– 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 packet ranch dressing mix
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cups cooked pasta (like rotini or penne)
– 1 cup frozen peas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, and cooked pasta.
3. Fold in the frozen peas, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
You can substitute turkey bacon or add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken, bacon, ranch, casserole, comfort food