Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
A comforting and flavorful casserole made with chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and pasta, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced) Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 6 slices bacon Crispy and crumbled, adding that savory depth.
- 1 cup ranch dressing Tangy and creamy, the star of the show.
- 2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) Use whole wheat for a healthier option.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) Because cheese makes everything better!
- ½ cup sour cream For a creamier texture (substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter dish).
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder A sprinkle that elevates the flavor.
- to taste null salt and pepper Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- null null Chopped parsley for garnish A fresh touch to brighten the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, half of the cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-coated.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble into bite-sized pieces, then fold half of the bacon into the casserole mixture.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Swap chicken and bacon for sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian twist. You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.