Introduction
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a comfort food classic that brings together all your favorites in one dish. Tender chunks of chicken are mixed with crispy bacon, pasta, and a creamy ranch-seasoned cheese sauce, then baked to perfection. It’s rich, indulgent, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — great for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or game day!
Ingredients
Main Casserole
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese, milk, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the ranch seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl or directly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine:
- Cooked pasta
- Cooked chicken
- Half of the crumbled bacon
- Half of the cheddar and mozzarella
- The creamy ranch sauce
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and well mixed.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for a golden, crispy cheese top.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm!
Tips & Variations
- Add veggies: Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas for a pop of color and nutrients.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Low-carb version: Substitute cooked pasta with steamed cauliflower florets.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes and bake as directed.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.