Description
Hearty chicken bacon ranch casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Quick and satisfying, this dish promises a delightful meal that leaves everyone craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 0.5 lbs bacon, crispy and chopped
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup milk
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 package cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups pasta (rotini or egg noodles)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light cooking spray coating.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Dice the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and milk until smooth and well-combined.
- Crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, then chop into small pieces.
- Fold the cooked pasta, seasoned chicken cubes, crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top of the casserole for a crispy golden topping.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top turns a rich golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- Swap ranch dressing for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed version with reduced calories.
- Replace traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary modifications and enhanced nutritional value.
- Opt for turkey bacon as a leaner protein substitute that maintains the delicious smoky flavor profile.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack to add exciting flavor dimensions and customize the dish’s taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 702
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1245 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 147 mg