Description
Hearty chicken bacon ranch casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables everywhere. Creamy layers blend perfectly with crispy bacon and zesty ranch, creating a satisfying meal that quickly becomes a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 0.5 lbs bacon
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup milk
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 package cream cheese
- 2 cups pasta (rotini or egg noodles)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, cook chicken breasts, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Chop cooked chicken and crumble bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, and softened cream cheese, whisking until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and milk to the mixture, stirring until creamy and fully blended.
- Fold in cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and crumbled bacon, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow sauce to set.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Select low-sodium bacon to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the dish.
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary accommodations.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat content and boost protein levels.
- Consider adding roasted vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition and color variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 695
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1120 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg