Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce all baked together with pasta and cheese. It’s the…
Tip: save now, cook later.Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce all baked together with pasta and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that combines simple ingredients into something really satisfying and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
I love making this casserole when I want something easy but still full of flavor. The ranch dressing mixes with the melted cheese to create a rich, tangy sauce that coats every bite, while the bacon adds a nice crunch and smoky taste. It’s one of those dishes that always gets everyone asking for seconds.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this casserole is fresh out of the oven with a simple green salad on the side. It’s comforting and filling, but the salad keeps it balanced. Plus, it’s a great recipe to make ahead of time and just pop in the oven whenever you need a warm, tasty meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast gives the casserole protein and texture. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut if you want to save time. You can also use leftover or shredded turkey.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch and a smoky punch. Turkey bacon works too if you want a leaner option, but it’s less crispy.
Ranch Dressing & Seasoning: These bring the creamy, tangy ranch flavor. If you don’t have a ranch packet, try a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter twist.
Pasta: Rotini or penne hold the sauce well, but any tubular pasta like macaroni or rigatoni works. Whole wheat pasta gives a nuttier taste and extra fiber.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully. You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder flavor, and mozzarella for provolone if you want a bit more tang.
How Can You Make Sure the Casserole Is Creamy and Not Dry?
The key to a creamy casserole is balancing the wet ingredients and pasta cooking:
- Cook pasta just until al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce.
- Mix ranch dressing, sour cream, and milk well to make a smooth sauce that coats everything evenly.
- Fold the sauce gently into the chicken and pasta to keep the texture light and creamy.
- Don’t skip the milk—it thins the sauce just enough for the cheese and ranch to melt and blend perfectly.
- Bake uncovered. This lets excess moisture evaporate while the cheese melts golden without making it too dry.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and keeps it creamy when served.
Following these steps will get you a casserole with rich flavor and a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for cooking pasta quickly and evenly.
- Colander – makes draining pasta easy without losing any pieces.
- Mixing bowl – to combine your sauce, chicken, and pasta smoothly.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – roomy enough for the whole casserole to bake evenly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for mixing without breaking the pasta.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot baking dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked sausage or ground beef – adds a heartier, meatier taste.
- Add steamed broccoli or chopped spinach – a simple way to include some greens.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella – gives a mild spicy kick.
- Mix in caramelized onions or roasted garlic – adds a sweet, deep flavor.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 8 oz pasta (such as rotini, penne, or macaroni)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Including resting time, allow around 45 minutes total to get this delicious dish from kitchen to table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Pasta and Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning mix, and minced garlic. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
3. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Bacon:
Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and half of the crumbled bacon to the ranch sauce. Mix gently until everything is well coated.
4. Add Cheeses and Season:
Fold in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top, then add the leftover bacon evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and parsley or chives if you like. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost function on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What Pasta Works Best for This Casserole?
Tubular pasta like rotini, penne, or macaroni works best because it holds the creamy sauce well. Avoid delicate shapes that might turn mushy after baking.
