Scrumptious Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this mouthwatering chicken bacon ranch casserole that combines hearty flavors in every single bite.

The rich, creamy sauce swirls around tender chicken pieces and crispy bacon bits.

Layers of melted cheese create a golden, bubbling top that promises pure deliciousness.

This one-pan wonder brings together classic ingredients in a way that makes dinner feel like a warm hug.

Packed with protein and bursting with ranch-inspired zest, the casserole delivers satisfaction in every forkful.

You’ll want to savor each comforting spoonful and share this crowd-pleasing meal with everyone at the table.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible dinner solution that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 6

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – Ingredient List

• Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture to bind ingredients together, choose full-fat version for best results.
• Ranch Dressing: Brings tangy, herbal flavor that elevates the entire dish, opt for high-quality brand for deeper taste.
• Sour Cream: Provides extra creaminess and slight tang, select full-fat variety for most indulgent texture.

• Chicken, Bacon: Delivers hearty protein and smoky depth, use rotisserie chicken for convenience or freshly cooked chicken breasts for best texture, select thick-cut bacon for robust flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Infuses savory undertones without adding extra moisture, choose freshly ground spices for most intense flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant taste.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creates gooey, melty topping with sharp and mild cheese notes, shred cheese fresh for best melting quality.
• Green Onions: Brings fresh, mild onion crispness and bright color as final garnish, select bright green stalks with firm white ends.

Kitchen Tools for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Fans

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining sauce and ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect size for creating the casserole and ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for measuring ingredients accurately.
• Cheese grater: Helpful for shredding cheese if using block cheese.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping green onions and cutting bacon.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Oven mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot dishes from the oven.

Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole from Scratch

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a quick spray or butter swipe.

• Whip Together the Creamy Base

Blend cream cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, and a dash of garlic and onion powder in a big mixing bowl until silky smooth.

• Blend the Goodies

Toss in cooked chicken, half the crispy bacon bits, and half of each cheese variety. Stir until everything’s coated in the dreamy sauce.

• Layer and Top the Dish

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Crown it with the remaining cheese for a golden, melty finish.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the hot oven and let it bubble away for 20-25 minutes until it’s piping hot and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

• Finish and Feast

Pull out the casserole and sprinkle the remaining bacon crumbles and fresh green onions on top. Serve immediately with a crisp side salad or over cauliflower rice for a lighter twist.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Flavor Tweaks

• Flavor Boost Pro: Marinate chicken in ranch seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the ranch flavor and tenderize the meat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking – perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.
• Low-Carb Love: Swap regular ranch for Greek yogurt-based ranch and use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles as a base to create a keto-friendly version of the dish.
• Protein Power Switch: Replace chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even diced ham for a quick protein variation that keeps the same delicious ranch profile.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free ranch, and plant-based cheese alternatives to create a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serving Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Sides

• Comfort Food Companions: Pairing Perfection
• Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp garden salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors. The fresh greens provide a light contrast to the decadent chicken and bacon mixture.
• Ranch Remix Sides
• Complement the dish with roasted garlic broccoli or steamed green beans for a nutritious vegetable accompaniment. These green sides add color and essential nutrients to your meal.
• Carb Conscious Options
• Transform this casserole into a low-carb feast by serving over cauliflower rice or with zucchini noodles. These alternatives maintain the delicious flavor profile while reducing overall carbohydrate intake.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation
• Garnish with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. The vibrant green herbs enhance the visual appeal and provide a subtle herbal note to the dish.

Storage Ideas for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Leftovers

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Refrigerator Rescue: Cool casserole completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stays fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly in the fridge.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat entire dish in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add fresh green onions after reheating to maintain crisp texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare casserole ingredients ahead of time. Chop bacon, cook chicken, and mix sauce separately. Store components in separate containers for easy assembly later in the week. Helps streamline busy weeknight cooking.

Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken bacon ranch casserole brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners. Creamy layers combine hearty ingredients for a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (0.95 L) cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup (240 mL) ranch dressing
• ½ cup (120 mL) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 mL) green onions (sliced, for garnish)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Set oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent adherence.
2. Sauce Creation: In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and creamy, creating a rich base for the casserole.
3. Protein and Cheese Integration: Fold cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella into the sauce, ensuring every ingredient is thoroughly coated and evenly distributed.
4. Assembly and Cheese Topping: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheese across the surface for a golden, melted finish.
5. Baking Process: Introduce the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the cheese turns bubbly and develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately top with additional crispy bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor, then serve hot alongside a crisp salad or cauliflower rice.

Notes

• Optimize Meat Preparation: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve perfect browning and prevent excess moisture, ensuring a crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Bring cream cheese to room temperature and whisk slowly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.
• Control Cheese Melting: Shred cheese fresh for better melting and avoid pre-packaged shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can impact texture and meltability.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular ingredients with alternatives like low-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon, or dairy-free cheese to accommodate specific dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s rich flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg