Gather round, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s as comforting as it is craveable – the Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for Game Day. This epic creation is a cozy, indulgent masterpiece that’s sure to impress your friends and family, whether you’re hosting a game-day bash or simply craving a hearty, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for Game Day
Imagine a creamy, melty base of tender chicken and crispy bacon, all nestled in a lush, zesty ranch sauce. Now, top that with a golden, crispy layer of cheese and crunchy toppings. This casserole is the ultimate comfort food, delivering big flavor and heartiness in every bite. It’s the perfect dish to gather around, with its bright, festive presentation and the irresistible aroma that will have everyone’s mouths watering.
Ingredients
At the heart of this casserole are juicy, shredded chicken and smoky, crispy bacon, complemented by a rich, creamy ranch sauce. We’ll also be using a blend of gooey, melty cheeses to create that irresistible, lush texture.
- 8 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 3 cups – Cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 small – Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese blend
- 1 cup – Milk
- 1 packet – Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup – Crushed crackers or crispy fried onions (for topping)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken (for a time-saving swap)
- Bacon: Diced ham or crumbled sausage (for a pork-free option)
How to Make Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for Game Day
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this flavor-packed casserole:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and set it aside. Shred the cooked chicken and set it aside as well.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened. Stir in the milk, ranch seasoning, and a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and fold in the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheese, then sprinkle the crushed crackers or crispy fried onions over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a vibrant, appetizing finish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Add some heat: Dice and sauté a jalapeño or two along with the onions and garlic for a spicy kick.
- Boost the veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers or chopped spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Pasta or rice addition: For a heartier meal, mix in some cooked pasta or rice with the chicken and bacon mixture.
- Cheese blend variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: When ready to serve, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Nutrition Information
This Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is certainly an indulgent dish, but it’s also packed with protein from the chicken and bacon, as well as calcium from the cheese. Just be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Protein: 37 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 1,220 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make your own ranch seasoning blend using a combination of dried herbs and spices, like garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and black pepper.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature.
How can I make this casserole more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, you can try swapping out some of the cheese for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, and add in extra veggies like spinach or broccoli.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Simply bake it as directed, let it cool completely, and then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven until heated through.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a hearty, satisfying dish on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty garlic bread.
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Print
Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for Game Day
- 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 Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for game day gatherings. Packed with chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup ranch dressing
2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, ranch dressing, cooked pasta, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
8. Garnish with sliced 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.
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, bacon, ranch, casserole, game day