Name: Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: Easy 40-Minute Comfort Food!
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded or diced: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver and provides great flavor.; 8 oz Pasta of choice: Penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal as their shapes hold the sauce well. For a low-carb option, use 4 cups of cauliflower rice.; 6-8 slices Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled: Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease for added flavor.; 1 (8 oz) block Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, rich sauce.; 1 cup Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess.; 1 cup Mayonnaise: Enhances the richness and helps create a cohesive sauce.; 1 (1 oz) packet Ranch Seasoning Mix: Do not prepare the dip; use the dry powder. For a stronger flavor, use 1.5 packets.; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; ½ cup Chicken Broth: To loosen the sauce to a pourable consistency.; 1 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground; 2 cups Shredded Cheese: A blend is highly recommended. 1 ½ cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, for a tangy, robust flavor.; ½ cup Monterey Jack Cheese, for its superior meltability.; ½ cup French Fried Onions (optional, for a crunchy topping); 2 tbsp Fresh Chives or Parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Description

This cheesy chicken bacon ranch casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, flavorful, and family-friendly. Ready for a cozy dinner in 40 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

3 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded or diced: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver and provides great flavor.
8 oz Pasta of choice: Penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal as their shapes hold the sauce well. For a low-carb option, use 4 cups of cauliflower rice.
6-8 slices Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled: Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease for added flavor.
1 (8 oz) block Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, rich sauce.
1 cup Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess.
1 cup Mayonnaise: Enhances the richness and helps create a cohesive sauce.
1 (1 oz) packet Ranch Seasoning Mix: Do not prepare the dip; use the dry powder. For a stronger flavor, use 1.5 packets.
2 cloves Garlic, minced
½ cup Chicken Broth: To loosen the sauce to a pourable consistency.
1 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground

For the Cheesy Topping and Garnish:

2 cups Shredded Cheese: A blend is highly recommended.
- 1 ½ cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, for a tangy, robust flavor.
- ½ cup Monterey Jack Cheese, for its superior meltability.
½ cup French Fried Onions (optional, for a crunchy topping)
2 tbsp Fresh Chives or Parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prepare Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until it is just al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to cook in the oven, so you must avoid overcooking it now. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, ensure your chicken is shredded, your bacon is cooked and crumbled, and your cream cheese is softened.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. This is a critical step to avoid pockets of unmixed cream cheese.

Step 3: Incorporate the Flavor Powerhouses
To the smooth cream cheese mixture, add the entire packet of dry ranch seasoning, minced garlic, black pepper, and chicken broth. Whisk again until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth and pourable.

Step 4: Combine All Main Components
Add the cooked al dente pasta, shredded chicken, and about three-quarters of the crumbled bacon (reserve the rest for the top) to the bowl with the sauce. Using a large spatula, gently fold everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly and thoroughly coated in the creamy ranch sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer.

Step 6: The Cheesy, Bacon-Y Finish
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend evenly over the entire surface of the casserole. Top with the remaining crumbled bacon and, if using, the French fried onions for an added crunch.

Step 7: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and has started to turn a light golden brown around the edges. For a more browned top, you can broil it for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Spoon onto plates and serve immediately

Notes

9×13 inch Baking Dish
Large Pot for Pasta
Large Mixing Bowl
Hand Mixer or Whisk
Spatula
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Lunch
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 750 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1100 mg
Fat: 45 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35 g