Share this post:

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Did you know that the combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing has become a staple in American comfort food? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole not only offers a satisfying blend of flavors but also simplifies meal preparation for those hectic nights. You might be surprised to learn how easy it is to customize this dish to fit your family’s preferences. What makes this casserole a go-to option for many households is its balance of convenience and taste, but there’s much more to uncover about its origins and variations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you combine the bold flavors of bacon and ranch with tender chicken, you’re in for a treat that makes every bite enjoyable.

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole offers a rich, crave-worthy taste, thanks to just a few pantry ingredients. The moist chicken absorbs all that delicious flavor, ensuring you won’t encounter any dryness.

When you blend Alfredo and ranch sauce, you create a creamy, zesty dish that’s hard to resist. Plus, the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch, elevating the texture. With about 20 grams of protein per serving, this filling meal is nutrient-rich, and it’s easy to prepare in just one pot. One-pot preparation simplifies cooking and cleanup, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

History

Although the exact origins of Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole are unclear, the dish first gained recognition in a 2002 cookbook of the same name. Its unique combination of savory chicken, salty bacon, and tangy ranch dressing quickly captured attention. Fast-food chains and restaurants began featuring it, boosting its popularity. Advertising and marketing played a significant role, promoting the dish as a comforting and indulgent choice. People love it for its satisfying flavors and textures, which appeal to many taste buds. Unlike other casseroles, like King Ranch Casserole, Chicken Bacon Ranch doesn’t have a specific regional tie. Instead, it represents a broader trend of comfort foods that have become staples in American cuisine. This dish has gained immense popularity in American cuisine due to its combination of flavors and textures.

Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines smoky bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch-flavored pasta into a delicious meal. The use of rotisserie chicken makes this recipe incredibly convenient, allowing you to whip it up in no time. This baked pasta dish is perfect for serving large groups of people and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this casserole is versatile and can easily be adapted to include your favorite ingredients.

Whether you choose to add extra vegetables or swap out the cheese, this dish allows for creativity while maintaining its core appeal. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delightful and satisfying meal!

Ingredients:
– 6 slices of bacon (chopped)
– 4 cups of chopped rotisserie chicken
– 8 oz. of rotini pasta
– 1 packet of dry ranch seasoning mix
– 8 oz. of cream cheese
– 1 cup of milk
– 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of pimientos (optional)
– 1/2 cup of chopped green onions (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain.
Use the remaining bacon drippings in the skillet to sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, milk, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese to create a creamy sauce.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, chopped rotisserie chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, pimientos, and green onions. Pour the ranch mixture over the pasta and gently stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the cooked bacon.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Extra Tips:
When preparing this casserole, feel free to adjust the baking time based on the size of your dish; a deeper dish may require a few extra minutes.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for up to a month. For a quick and easy cleanup, consider using a disposable casserole dish. Enjoy experimenting with different pasta types and additional vegetables to make this dish your own!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your meal planning, consider that this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole not only delivers incredible flavor but also offers versatility for your kitchen creativity.

You can easily customize it with different pasta shapes, chicken sources like rotisserie or leftover turkey, and even add vegetables such as spinach or broccoli for added nutrients. Additionally, this dish is a good source of protein which can help meet your dietary needs.

With various cheese options, like mozzarella or Colby Jack, you can adjust the dish to your taste.

Keep in mind the nutritional aspects, as it’s high in calories and fat, which may not suit every diet.

Baking it at 375°F for 15-20 minutes creates a deliciously crispy top.

Enjoy this comforting dish as a fun, hearty meal for family and friends!

FAQ

Got questions about making Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole? First, you don’t have to use boneless, skinless chicken, but it’s recommended for the best results. Chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken are good alternatives, just skip the olive oil if using rotisserie. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Cook bacon until crispy, then set it aside. Coat raw chicken in olive oil and Ranch mix, cooking it in a skillet for about 7-10 minutes until it’s no longer pink. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

For pasta, shells or rotini work well, cooked al dente. Bake the casserole for around 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted, checking chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Enjoy!