Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

History of Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken, bacon, and ranch is a flavor combination that has become a classic in American comfort food. While the origins of “Chicken Bacon Ranch” are unclear, it’s often associated with American fast-casual dining and pizza flavors. The casserole version was created as an easy way to bring these bold flavors into a complete, family-friendly meal.

Why Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese is always a win.
• Easy to Make: Simple, everyday ingredients come together quickly.
• Family Favorite: A dish the whole family will request again and again.
• Customizable: Swap pasta, add veggies, or adjust ingredients to fit your taste.

What is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Made of?

This casserole typically includes:

• Cooked pasta (like penne, rotini, or elbow)
• Cooked, shredded or cubed chicken
• Crispy cooked bacon
• Creamy ranch dressing or ranch seasoning mix
• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Optional add-ins like broccoli, spinach, or peas

What to Have with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Serve this dish with:

• A fresh green salad with ranch or vinaigrette dressing
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots

Is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Healthy?

This casserole is hearty and indulgent, but you can make it healthier by using whole-grain pasta, light ranch dressing, and reduced-fat cheese. Add in more vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrients.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula for mixing

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional add-ins: 1 cup cooked broccoli, 1/2 cup peas, or 1/2 cup spinach

Directions:

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and optional vegetables (like broccoli, peas, or spinach) to the sauce. Toss until everything is coated.
• Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it evenly, then top with cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using).
• Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.

Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed crackers or French-fried onions on top before baking.
• Leftovers reheat well, making this a great option for meal prep.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to prepare and packed with the classic flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch. Serve it with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a meal everyone will love.

Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

getcakerecipes

This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a hearty, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, and a creamy ranch sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting dish that’s sure to be a family favorite. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights, and makes for delicious leftovers.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

• Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)

• Large pot for cooking pasta

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Spoon or spatula for mixing

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional add-ins: 1 cup cooked broccoli, 1/2 cup peas, or 1/2 cup spinach

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

• Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and optional vegetables (like broccoli, peas, or spinach) to the sauce. Toss until everything is coated.

• Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it evenly, then top with cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using).

• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.

Keyword Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole