Description
Hearty chicken bacon ranch casserole promises comfort and flavor in every delightful bite. Creamy layers blend perfectly, bringing zesty ranch and crispy bacon together for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast
- 6 slices bacon
Pasta and Vegetable Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh broccoli, chopped into florets
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh chives, for serving
Instructions
- Crisp bacon in a skillet until golden brown, then drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil pasta in salted water, adding broccoli during the final 2 minutes of cooking. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet, stirring constantly for 60 seconds to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Fold shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, cooked pasta, and broccoli into the creamy sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are golden and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped chives before serving.
Notes
- Enhance bacon crispiness by using thick-cut bacon and patting dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
- Prevent broccoli from becoming mushy by blanching briefly and immediately transferring to ice water to maintain bright green color and crisp texture.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- Reduce calories by using low-fat milk, Greek yogurt instead of cream, and part-skim cheese without compromising the rich, creamy flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg