June 7 2025

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini); 8 oz cream cheese; 1 cup ranch dressing; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1 cup shredded cheddar; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 10 slices bacon, chopped; Salt and pepper; Optional: green onions

Khemit Dinner Recipes 0

You’re going to love this one. If you’re into cheesy, creamy, flavorful comfort food (and who isn’t?), this Chicken Bacon Ranch casserole is a must.

It’s super satisfying, totally cozy, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or sharing at a potluck.

You and I both know ranch, bacon, and chicken are a dream team.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comes together fast with simple ingredients.
Loaded with bacon, ranch, cheese, and tender chicken.
Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly.
Great way to use leftover chicken.
Makes delicious leftovers.
Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep.

Ingredients Needed

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
10 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: green onions for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch dressing, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Stir in the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, half the bacon, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well-coated.

Step 5: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13″ baking dish.

Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining bacon and a little extra cheese on top if you like.

Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Step 8: Top with chopped green onions if using. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Don’t overcook the pasta—you want it slightly firm.
Make sure your cream cheese is soft so it mixes smoothly.
Add a splash more milk if it looks dry before baking.
Want it crispier on top? Broil the last 2-3 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Using cold cream cheese makes it lumpy.
Skipping salt can leave it bland. Taste and adjust.
Overbaking dries it out. Watch closely for around 20 minutes.
Too much ranch makes it soupy—measure it out.
Forgetting to grease your dish can cause sticking.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve with a simple green salad.
Add garlic bread on the side.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Serve in a big family-style dish.
Add some steamed broccoli or peas on the side.

Variations and Recipe Swaps

Swap pasta for cauliflower for a low-carb version.
Use Monterey Jack for a milder cheese flavor.
Try ranch seasoning mix and sour cream instead of bottled dressing.
Add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies.
Swap chicken for turkey or shredded pork.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts.
Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.
Freeze in portions and reheat from frozen or thaw first.

What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Crisp garden salad
Roasted veggies
Garlic bread
Steamed green beans
Corn on the cob
Fresh fruit on the side

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep it fully, cover, and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
A: Absolutely. Just cool it completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Sure. Drain it well and shred it before mixing in.

Q: What kind of ranch works best?
A: Use your favorite. Homemade or store-bought both work.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check your ranch dressing label.

Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Use light cream cheese, low-fat ranch, and lean turkey bacon.

Q: How do I know when it’s done baking?
A: It should be hot, bubbly, and golden on top.

Conclusion

There you have it—a cozy, cheesy, bacon-packed casserole that hits every note of comfort food.

If you try this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Share your version in the comments!

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