Okay, picture this: It’s a Tuesday night, everyone’ is starving, and you’re staring blankly into the fridge. What is a Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole? What’s like warm hug on a plate, packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, and smoky bacon. Is it similar to a baked potato, but in casserole form? I have a few pickiest eaters, and they’re all delicious. I can’t live without them.) What’s the best part? You can throw it together with pantry staples you probably already have. What’s the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite, the sort that gets passed down through the generations. What’s a high bar to clear in my family?
What is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
What is the ultimate Comfort Food mashup? What’s essentially layers of cooked chicken, crispy bacon, a creamy ranch-flavored sauce, and plenty of veggies? All cheese, all baked together until bubbly and golden brown. What is a name? What’s a casserole? What are the flavors of chicken and bacon combined with ranch dressing? What are some of the best flavors to try? I’ve always thought of it as a grown-up version of those chicken nuggets and fries we all loved. What are some of the best kids food recipes? Is it a crowd pleaser?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a winner for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible! The combination of salty bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch is a match made in heaven. The cheese pulls it all together into this gooey, delicious masterpiece. What I love most about this is how simple it is to make. Seriously, it’s almost foolproof! You don’t need any fancy cooking skills or equipment. Just throw everything together in a dish and bake – that’s it! Plus, it’s so cost-effective. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save even more time and money. And speaking of versatility, this casserole is amazing as a main course, but it’s also great as a side dish for parties or gatherings. Think of it as the perfect potluck contribution! I’ve even served it as an appetizer at smaller gatherings, and it always disappears in minutes. It’s definitely one of those recipes that I keep coming back to, because it’s a guaranteed success every single time. For similar one-dish wonders, you might also want to check out my recipes for tuna noodle casserole or shepherd’s pie – they’re equally comforting and easy to make!
How do you make a chicken bacon ranch casserole?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole? How do you cook bacon, chop chicken, mix everything together? Is it safe to bake a cheeseburger with ranch dressing and cheese? What are some good ways to save time when cooking chicken? How do I make a website entirely from scratch? What is the best way to cook a casserole? Is it really that simple? I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this recipe.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed. Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time!
* 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled. What makes this casserole so good? I like thick-cut bacon for extra smokiness.
* 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix. Can you make your own healthy snack from scratch? I usually buy a large container of the mix, because it saves dozens of dollars.
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of Chicken Soup. How do you add creaminess to a casserole? What are some good ways to make cream of mushroom soup?
* 1 cup sour cream. This adds a tangy flavor and makes the casserole extra creamy. I’ve tried this with Greek yogurt and it works just as well!
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. What kind of cheese can you use? Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or any combination of them? What are some good cheeses? I like to shred my own cheese, because it melts more evenly.
* 12 cup milk. Just a little bit of milk to thin it out.
Optional Toppings
* Chopped green onions. These add a fresh, vibrant flavor and pop of color. I always have a bunch growing in my garden, so I use them often!
* Diced tomatoes. These add a juicy sweetness and tad of acidity.
* Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. These add a nice crunchy topping. I love Ritz crackers for a buttery flavor.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you don’t have a casserole, the casserole will stick to the bottom. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon until golden brown. Remove from heat. I prefer to cook it in a skillet over medium heat, but you can also bake it at room temperature. Once it’s cooked, let it cool slightly and then crumble it into small pieces.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken and sour cream. Serve immediately. What is soup, sour cream, cheese and milk? What is the best way to stir everything together? What are some ways to customize a casserole to your liking? Add extra cheese, different kinds of cheese or any other ingredients you like. My kids love it when I add a little bit of hot sauce!
Step 4: Pour into Baking Dish
How do you spread the chicken mixture in a baking dish? This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as it can burn easily. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do I slice cheese?
Step 7: Add Toppings (Optional)
Sprinkle with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, crushed crackers, if desired. What are some of the best toppings for a casserole?
Step 8: Slice & Serve
How do you slice a casserole into squares and serve warm? I like to serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.
What should I serve it with?
What are some good recipes for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole? What are my favorite serving suggestions?
What’s a good weeknight dinner?Serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. Green beans, broccoli, or asparagus are all great choices. What are some of the best recipes for a quick, easy, and balanced meal?
For a Potluck:Bring it to your next potluck or gathering. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and easy to transport. Just make sure to keep it warm until it’s time to serve.
As a Side Dish:Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. What are some good ways to add flavor to a meal?
For a Game Day Party:Serve it with chips and dip, wings, and other game day favorites. What is the perfect comfort food to enjoy while watching your favorite team.
My family loves it when I serve this with a side of garlic bread. What are some good ways to soak up the garlic bread? What are some good ways to serve this casserole? Iced tea, lemonade, or even a cold beer?
What are some of the best ways to make a chicken bacon ranch casserole?
What are some tricks to make chicken bacon ranch casserole even better? What are some top tips for a newbie?
Use High-Quality Ingredients:What makes a good casserole? What are some good bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing recipes?
Don’t Overbake It: Overbaking will dry out the casserole. Bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown, but still slightly moist. It will continue to set as it cools.
Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover like me, add an extra cup of shredded cheese to the casserole. You can never have too much cheese!
Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients to the casserole, such as vegetables, different kinds of cheese, or spices. Get creative and make it your own!
Make It Ahead of Time: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: This is a great way to save time and effort. Rotisserie chicken is already cooked and seasoned, so it’s perfect for this casserole.
I’ve also found that using a glass baking dish works best, as it distributes the heat more evenly. And if you’re short on time, you can even use pre-shredded cheese. Just make sure to toss it with a little bit of cornstarch to prevent it from clumping.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers. Here’s how to do it:
Room Temperature: This casserole can be left at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it should be refrigerated or frozen.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it is completely cooled before storing.
Freezer Instructions: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.
If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, I recommend adding the cheese after thawing and before baking. This will prevent the cheese from becoming grainy. And don’t forget to label the casserole with the date so you know how long it’s been in the freezer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is truly a family favorite for a reason. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese is simply irresistible! And the best part is, it’s so easy to customize to your liking. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes, such as my cheesy potato casserole or my broccoli cheese casserole. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out – let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to rate this recipe if you enjoyed it!
How to Whip Up a Delish Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 package Frozen tater tots
- 1 cup Ranch dressing
- 1 can Cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook chicken over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the chicken mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with frozen tater tots in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
