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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This easy chicken bacon ranch casserole is loaded with tender pasta, cheese, bacon, and creamy sauce to create a delicious, homemade meal your whole family will love!
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Table of Contents
- Ranch Chicken Bacon Casserole Ingredients
- Flavor Profile for a Chicken Bacon Ranch Recipe
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Substitutions And Additions
- How To Make This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
- Troubleshooting This Recipe
- How To Serve This Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole
- How To Store Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole
- Why This is the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Chicken bacon ranch casserole proves that any pasta recipe is better when it has loads of gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning to top it off. Best of all, this pasta casserole is an easy dinner for those busy nights at home.
Ranch Chicken Bacon Casserole Ingredients
This easy chicken bacon ranch casserole is a delectable blend of tender chicken seasoned with ranch seasoning, bacon, and creamy, cheesy pasta.
You’ll need these simple ingredients:
- 12 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped, divided into 8 slices and 4 slices
- 6 cups of penne pasta (about 4 cups dry), cooked and drained
- 3 or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-size pieces
- 1½ teaspoons of salt, divided into ½ teaspoon and 1 teaspoon
- ½ teaspoon of pepper
- 3 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix, divided into 2 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon
- 8 tablespoons of butter, divided in half
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- ⅔ cup of onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- ½ cup of flour
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup of shaved parmesan cheese
- ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry (if oil-packed) and chopped
- 3 cups of Italian-style shredded cheese
- ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons of dried parsley (optional)
PRO TIP:
Be sure NOT to use pre-shredded cheeses. They have additives added in the bags to prevent clumping, and they do not melt as well as a block of cheese that you shred yourself.
Flavor Profile for a Chicken Bacon Ranch Recipe
The ranch seasoning adds herby notes to the chicken, while a rich, buttery sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup coats the pasta.
Sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet-tart contrast, and the dish is topped with gooey shredded cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Substitutions And Additions
PASTA: You can use any style of noodle that’s similar to penne pasta in this cheesy casserole.
Stay away from long noodles like spaghetti or linguine. Some other great options include bowties, shells, rigatoni, cavatappi, or rotini pasta.
PROTEIN: It technically wouldn’t be chicken bacon ranch casserole without the chicken and bacon, but if you prefer, you can swap out the protein.
For example, you could try using turkey in place of the chicken. You could also use store-bought bacon bits instead of fresh bacon if desired.
To make this meal come together even faster, you could use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken. Baked chicken breast or chicken thighs could be used.
CHEESE: Shaved parmesan and Italian-style cheese work best for this recipe. Italian blend cheese has Parmigiano-Reggiano and pecorino romano.
Some blends also include mozzarella and provolone, so you get a really nice flavor mix.
However, if you prefer, you could also use just mozzarella cheese or provolone instead.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
You can prepare this casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
How To Make This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Let’s have a look at the steps for assembling this irresistible and hearty casserole recipe.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan.
STEP TWO: In a medium bowl, combine chicken with a half teaspoon of salt, a half teaspoon of pepper, and two tablespoons of ranch dressing mix.
STEP THREE: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt four tablespoons of butter and one tablespoon of olive oil. Add chicken to the pan and put the lid on.
Cook for about three minutes, then check the inside of a chicken bite. Once finished, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
STEP FOUR: Reduce the oven heat to medium. Saute the onions in the pan drippings until soft and translucent. Add garlic and saute for one more minute.
STEP FIVE: To the same pan with the onion and garlic, add four tablespoons of butter.
When the butter is melted, add the flour, Italian seasoning, basil, remaining one teaspoon of salt, and remaining one tablespoon of ranch dressing mix. Stir.
STEP SIX: Using a whisk, gradually add the chicken broth (¼ to ½ cup at a time), stirring to combine well with the flour mixture.
Add the heavy cream. Add the cream of chicken soup. Continue to stir, heating until bubbly. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Remove from the heat.
STEP SEVEN: Add eight slices of chopped bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and pasta to the sauce and combine.
STEP EIGHT: Pour mixture into the greased pan. Sprinkle with the remaining four pieces of chopped bacon.
Top with the Italian blend cheese. Then, sprinkle with dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley if desired.
STEP NINE: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 – 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.
Troubleshooting This Recipe
Cheese Not Melting Properly: If the cheese isn’t melting well, you can cover the dish with foil, then remove the foil towards the end to allow the cheese to brown and melt better.|
Dish Is Too Dry: If the chicken bacon ranch bake appears dry, it may be due to overcooking. Be cautious not to bake it for too long.
How To Serve This Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole
This creamy and cheesy casserole is sure to be a new family favorite.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, green onions, or diced tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.
Add a side of sauteed vegetables or roasted vegetables such as steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus.
For a hearty meal on a busy weeknight, it goes great alongside a Caesar salad and dinner rolls.
MORE CASSEROLE RECIPES
We have quite a collection of casserole dishes. If you’re looking for some other easy meals to try out, then look no further.
Pizza casserole, cheeseburger casserole, and Mexican casserole are three of our favorites.
How To Store Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole
Whether you’re planning dinner for a busy weeknight or preparing a comforting meal for the family, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole can be a fantastic make-ahead option.
MAKE AHEAD: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance, making your meal prep a breeze. Simply follow the recipe steps up until baking, cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to enjoy, remove the cover, and bake as directed, adding an extra five to ten minutes to the cooking time.
REFRIGERATOR: Already cooked casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before covering it with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup. This will keep your casserole creamy and prevent it from drying out.
FREEZER: For longer storage, this casserole freezes well for up to two months. Cool the casserole completely, wrap it securely with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn, and label it with the date.
Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
REHEATING: To reheat, you can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop.
OVEN: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
MICROWAVE: Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat on high for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
STOVETOP: Place the casserole in a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of milk or cream if it seems dry, and gently stir until warm.
Why This is the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
INCREDIBLE FLAVOR: This casserole combines the rich, savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning.
MAKE AHEAD CONVENIENCE: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when ready or store it in the fridge or freezer for later.
COMFORT FOOD: It’s creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, making it the ideal dish for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.
This comforting chicken bacon ranch casserole is always a huge hit for family dinners.
The melted cheese sauce, mixed with crunchy bacon and ranch dressing, makes for the ultimate pasta casserole. It’s a quick and easy meal that everyone loves.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best kind of chicken to use for this recipe?
Either chicken breasts or chicken thighs would give you tender pieces of chicken in your cheesy casserole.
Can I add additional veggies to the casserole?
If you would like to add extra vegetables, green peppers or mushrooms would be a great option.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
What goes with a chicken casserole?
Great side dishes to serve with this chicken casserole include Caesar salad, tomato cucumber salad, or cucumber salad, and dinner rolls to mop up the creamy sauce in the bowl.
Is it OK to put raw chicken in a casserole?
For this casserole, the chicken should be cooked as the heating time is not long enough to cook the chicken through.
How do you keep chicken from drying out in a casserole?
Salting the chicken before cooking it and adding it to the casserole will help to keep it moist in the oven while baking the casserole.
More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
- Cream Cheese Pasta
- Crockpot Spaghetti
- One Pot Pasta
- Chicken Tortellini
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole
This easy chicken bacon ranch casserole is loaded with tender pasta, cheese, bacon, and creamy sauce to create a delicious, homemade meal your whole family will love!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (about 2 pounds)
- 1½ teaspoons salt, divided into ½ teaspoon and 1 teaspoon
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix, divided into 2 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon
- 8 tablespoons butter, divided in half
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅔ cup onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped, divided into 8 slices and 4 slices
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry (if oil-packed) and chopped
- 6 cups penne pasta, cooked and drained (about 4 cups dry)
- 3 cups Italian-style cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons of dried parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add chicken to the pan and put the lid on. Cook for about 3 minutes, then check the inside of a chicken bite. Once finished, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Saute onion in pan drippings until soft. Add garlic and saute for 1 more minute.
- To the same pan (with the onion and garlic), add 4 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is melted, add the flour, Italian seasoning, basil, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing mix. Stir.
- Using a whisk, gradually add chicken broth (¼ to ½ cup at a time), stirring to combine well with the flour mixture.
- Add heavy cream. Add cream of chicken soup. Continue to stir, heating until bubbly.
- Add parmesan and stir until cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
- To the sauce, add 8 slices of chopped bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and pasta.
- Combine the pasta with the sauce.
- Pour the pasta mixture into the greased dish.
- Sprinkle with the remaining 4 pieces of chopped bacon. Top with Italian cheese. Sprinkle with dried or fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
Video
Notes
- Be sure NOT to use pre-shredded cheeses. They have additives added in the bags to prevent clumping, and they do not melt as well as a block of cheese that you shred yourself.
- You can prepare this casserole the night before and keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your casserole as the suggested baking time approaches.
Nutrition
Calories: 638kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 1161mg | Potassium: 421mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 705IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 2mg
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Comments
jay platte says
this is soooo good! the bacon really goes well with the rest of the dish!!
Katie Cugini says
The recipe calls for a 1/4 sun dried tomatoes. Is that a 1/4 of a cup?
Layne Kangas says
Yes — sorry for the typo!! ๐ Enjoy.
TG says
This was very delicious! But I have to say it was a lot of work lol My 2 year old loves it, so in the end it was worth it. Took me about 1 hour and half total with prep and baking time. My 5 year old said the bacon was her favorite part lol
Lise says
Can this be made in a Ninja Foodi? And if so, how?
Sarah says
I completely forgot to buy the sun dried tomatoes at the store, can I use diced tomatoes from the can, or should I cut up a fresh tomato?
Layne Kangas says
You could use diced tomatoes in a can, but drain it first or it will thin out your sauce. Enjoy! ๐
Sarah says
Delicious…I forgot to buy the tomatoes so I just cut a regular tomato and threw it in. Will be making again
Janice says
My question is about the ranch dressing mix …. are you talking the dry ranch dressing mix or the ranch dressing out of the bottle like for salads ?
Layne Kangas says
It’s the dry ranch dressing mix!
Rae says
I make enchiladas with Verde sauce which are similar to this recipe. We love them.
Rae says
I would bake the chicken instead of sautรฉing