This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a hearty, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, and a creamy ranch sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting dish that’s sure to be a family favorite. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights, and makes for delicious leftovers.
| Servings | Total |
| 6 | 40mins |
History of Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Chicken, bacon, and ranch is a flavor combination that has become a classic in American comfort food. While the origins of “Chicken Bacon Ranch” are unclear, it’s often associated with American fast-casual dining and pizza flavors. The casserole version was created as an easy way to bring these bold flavors into a complete, family-friendly meal.
Why Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese is always a win.
- Easy to Make: Simple, everyday ingredients come together quickly.
- Family Favorite: A dish the whole family will request again and again.
- Customizable: Swap pasta, add veggies, or adjust ingredients to fit your taste.
What is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Made of?
This casserole typically includes:
- Cooked pasta (like penne, rotini, or elbow)
- Cooked, shredded or cubed chicken
- Crispy cooked bacon
- Creamy ranch dressing or ranch seasoning mix
- Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Optional add-ins like broccoli, spinach, or peas
What to Have with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Serve this dish with:
- A fresh green salad with ranch or vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots
Is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Healthy?
This casserole is hearty and indulgent, but you can make it healthier by using whole-grain pasta, light ranch dressing, and reduced-fat cheese. Add in more vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup cooked broccoli, 1/2 cup peas, or 1/2 cup spinach
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and optional vegetables (like broccoli, peas, or spinach) to the sauce. Toss until everything is coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it evenly, then top with cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using).
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed crackers or French-fried onions on top before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well, making this a great option for meal prep.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple to prepare and packed with the classic flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch. Serve it with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a meal everyone will love.
MORE RECIPES
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup cooked broccoli, 1/2 cup peas, or 1/2 cup spinach
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and optional vegetables (like broccoli, peas, or spinach) to the sauce. Toss until everything is coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it evenly, then top with cheddar cheese and mozzarella (if using).
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.