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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Set oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent adherence.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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