Lunch & Dinner

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 3 cloves Fresh garlic; 8 slices Crispy bacon; 4 cups Cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup Creamy ranch dressing; 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder; 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 5 cups Fresh broccoli florets; 1 lb Thawed frozen spinach; 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes; 1/4 cup Chopped green onions

Susan Roberts March 19, 2025

Servings: 8 Total Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Looking for the perfect side dish to complement your Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole? Consider a fresh garden salad. The crispness of greens contrasts beautifully with the warmth of the casserole.

Alternatively, a side of garlic bread is always a winner. It adds a touch of indulgence and helps to soak up all that creamy goodness. If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, roasted vegetables are perfect. They add a lovely caramelized flavor that pairs well with the savory notes of the casserole.

Now, let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try.

What is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?

This casserole is more than just a mix of ingredients. It’s a hearty meal that combines cooked chicken, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and plenty of cheese, all baked together for that delicious comfort food experience. The base is quite flexible, letting you add veggies if you wish. You can customize it to suit your palate. This dish boasts an enticing visual appeal, with its golden top, inviting aromas, and delightful textures.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a crispy piece of bacon. Then, think of the creamy ranch sauce coating tender chicken. Each forkful has a perfect balance of flavors. The cheese is melty, the bacon is crispy, and the ranch dressing adds a tanginess that brings everything together beautifully. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This?

There are numerous reasons to fall in love with this casserole.

Simplicity: It’s easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Satisfying: It’s filling enough to satisfy any appetite.

Customizable: You can switch up ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences.

Kid-Friendly: Kids will devour it. Trust me, my kids can’t get enough!

Make-Ahead: You can prepare it in advance, pop it in the oven later, and voila!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create this tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole:

3 cloves Fresh garlic (finely minced)
8 slices Crispy bacon (chopped)
4 cups Cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts (shredded or cubed)
1 cup Creamy ranch dressing
1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

For Version 1 with Broccoli:

5 cups Fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)

For Version 2 with Spinach:

1 lb Thawed frozen spinach
1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes
1/4 cup Chopped green onions

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Copycat Recipe

Step by Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gets that perfect bubbly top.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Next, take a large skillet over medium heat and add chopped bacon. Cook it until it becomes crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once crisp, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel to drain, but save some of that bacon grease in the skillet for added flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown. We want aroma, not bitterness.

Step 4: Mix Chicken and Seasonings

Now in a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed garlic, ranch dressing, onion powder, cooked bacon, half of each cheese (mozzarella and cheddar), and whichever veggies you’ve chosen. If you’re going with broccoli, toss it in here. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Don’t be shy—get all that cheesy goodness into the pan!

Step 6: Add Remaining Cheese

Top the mixture with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This is where the magic happens. The cheese will melt and create that bubbly, golden crust we all crave.

Step 7: Bake

Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You want it to look inviting, with that beautiful cheese pull when you take a scoop!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, and watch everyone dig in!

Tips On Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Here are some helpful tips to make your casserole even better:

Tip 1: Cook the Chicken in Advance: Using leftover chicken saves time. You can roast or grill chicken the day before to add flavor.

Tip 2: Don’t Overcook the Bacon: Drain the bacon and let it cool slightly before mixing. This keeps it crispy.

Tip 3: Add Some Greens: Incorporating vegetables boosts nutrition. Think spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini.

Tip 4: Spice it Up: If you like a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. It adds a delightful zing.

Tip 5: Tweak the Dressing: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of ranch dressing. There are garlic, buttermilk, or even spicy ranch varieties out there.

How Do You Store This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe?

Storing your casserole is simple. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will last in the fridge for about 3-5 days. If you have leftovers, you can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?

Here are some hearty substitutes you might consider:

Substitute 1: Ground Turkey or Beef

Swap out chicken for ground turkey or lean beef. It adds a different flavor and texture.

Substitute 2: Different Dressing

Want a twist? Use a barbecue sauce instead of ranch for a smoky flavor.

Substitute 3: Cauliflower Rice

For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice in place of traditional pasta or rice.

Substitute 4: Plant-Based Protein

Experiment with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative without sacrificing protein.

Substitute 5: Alternative Cheeses

Play around with different cheeses. Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack can give a new flavor profile.

Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe

Conclusion

Creating a Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is easy, rewarding, and utterly delicious. This dish stands out not just for its taste but for its versatility. You have the freedom to mix it up, making it suitable for everyone—from picky eaters to health-conscious diners.

So, fire up the oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a cozy meal that brings everyone to the table. Trust me, this recipe will swiftly become a favorite in your kitchen like it has in mine. Bon appétit!

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Print Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Author: Susan Roberts Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 447 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Imagine a dinner that combines comfort and flavor—something you can make ahead and is always a crowd-pleaser. Sounds great, right? Let me introduce you to Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole! This dish is a delightful blend of creamy ranch dressing, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese.

As a food blogger and registered dietitian, I’ve whipped up countless meals in the kitchen. Yet, this casserole holds a special place in my heart (and my stomach). Seriously, the first time I made it, my family devoured it! Trust me; you’ll want to keep this dish in your regular rotation.