Chicken bacon ranch casserole is the ultimate in cozy comfort food!
Cooked chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, and loads of melty cheese are baked in a creamy ranch sauce.
This hearty casserole goes from the oven to the table in minutes.
The Family Will Love This Comforting Casserole Because…
- Simple, filling, and delicious, chicken bacon ranch casserole is a kid-friendly dinner.
- You can prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making dinnertime stress-free.
- Guests love this ranch chicken bacon casserole! Keep it in a crockpot and let guests help themselves.
What You’ll Need
Chicken: I use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts, but any kind of cooked chicken can be used.
Pasta: Medium pasta shapes like penne, shells, ziti, bowtie, or rotini are the perfect size for the sauce to cling to.
Ranch: I add a packet of ranch dressing mix to make this recipe quick. If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, use the seasoning blend in the notes.
Cheesy Sauce: This recipe is all about the cheesy ranch sauce. A little bacon fat adds flavor, while broth keeps it from being too rich.
Bacon: Short on time? Buy a pack of bacon crumbles to sprinkle on top of so many recipes.
Variations
Add-Ins: Try throwing in some veggies like chopped broccoli, green peas, or frozen mixed vegetables, or top with frozen tater tots.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Cook bacon until crisp (recipe below).
- Melt cream cheese, broth, cream, and ranch seasoning. Whisk in cheese.
- Toss the sauce with pasta and transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with cheese and bacon and bake until bubbly.
Storing and Reheating
- Chicken bacon ranch casserole can be assembled today and kept in the fridge to be baked tomorrow.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave with a little milk stirred in to loosen the cheese sauce.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Sides for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Did you make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole? Leave a comment and a rating below.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne uncooked, approx. 2 cups
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings add butter if needed
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup half and half or light cream
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix or homemade spice blend below
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat just until crisp. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan (add butter if needed).
- Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and melted. Gradually add in the broth and cream whisking until smooth. Stir in the ranch seasoning.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt & pepper if desired.
- Add the drained pasta, chicken, and sauce to the prepared baking dish. Mix everything together and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with bacon. Bake 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Casserole, Chicken, Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Pasta
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We love it!
I’ve made it twice in two weeks.
Second time I added some mushrooms and leftover broccoli because, why not?
So happy you enjoyed it, Sandy! Those sound like delicious additions.
I’ve been wanting to make this and finally did tonite. I love this flavor combo! Next time, I’ll prep by having the chicken and bacon precooked. It’s a great week night quick meal!
Hello Holly, I am happy you finally made the recipe and I glad that you enjoyed it.
This casserole blew me away! It was easy, quick and delicious. The next time I make it, I’m going to add in some veggies and possibly change up the protein but five stars hands down!
Thank you so much Joanna! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.