Chicken Bacon Ranch Frito Pie

Okay, friend, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret weapon in my weeknight dinner arsenal: Chicken Bacon Ranch Frito Pie. Imagine the satisfying crunch of Fritos, piled high with creamy, cheesy chicken, crispy bacon, and that tangy ranch flavor we all adore. It’s like a loaded baked potato decided to go on vacation and met a casserole in a sunny, delicious destination. If you’re a fan of Taco Salad but want something even *easier* (yes, it’s possible!), this recipe is your new best friend. I always chuckle when I make it because it’s so simple, yet the family acts like I’ve slaved away for hours. Let’s get cooking!

What is chicken bacon ranch frito pie?

Think of it as comfort food elevated to its peak of deliciousness and easiness. Chicken Bacon Ranch Frito Pie is essentially a layered casserole where crispy Fritos form the base. This “crust” is then loaded with a creamy mixture of cooked chicken, crispy bacon, a generous helping of cheese, and a zesty ranch dressing. It’s essentially everything you love about a fully-Loaded Baked Potato or chicken bacon ranch wrap, but in a delightful, easy-to-serve pie format. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes where everyone gets excited to grab a forkful. It’s so good, you won’t even miss doing dishes because of how fast it’s devoured.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

There are so many reasons why this recipe has become a regular in my rotation. First off, the flavor is insane! The salty, cheesy, smoky, tangy combination is just addictive. My kids ask for it constantly, and even my pickiest eater cleans his plate. Secondly, it’s ridiculously easy to make. We’re talking minimal prep time and mostly just layering ingredients. It’s a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you’re short on time and energy. Thirdly, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. The ingredients are common and affordable, especially if you use leftover cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is my go-to!). What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different veggies, cheeses, or even a little kick with some jalapeños. If you liked my Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe, you’ll ADORE this one!

How do you make a Frito pie?

Quick Overview

Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Frito Pie is a breeze! First, you’ll prep your ingredients: cook the bacon, shred the chicken (if needed), and gather your cheese and ranch dressing. Then, you’ll layer the Fritos, chicken mixture, cheese, and bacon in a baking dish. Finally, you’ll bake it until everything is warm and bubbly, and the cheese is melted to perfection. It’s so simple, even my teenager can make it! I promise, the hardest part is waiting for it to bake because the smell is absolutely intoxicating.

Ingredients

For the Base:
* 1 (10.5 ounce) bag of Fritos corn chips. Don’t skimp on the brand! Fritos have the best crunch and hold up well in the casserole. Sometimes I use the Chili Cheese flavored ones for an extra kick!

For the Chicken Mixture:
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced. I almost always use a rotisserie chicken from the store to save time.
* 1 (8 ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened. Make sure it’s *really* softened or you’ll end up with lumps! I leave it out on the counter for a couple of hours.
* 1 cup ranch dressing. Use your favorite brand! I’m partial to Hidden Valley, but use what you love.
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar adds a nice bite. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
* 1/2 cup milk. This helps to thin out the cream cheese and make the mixture nice and creamy.

For the Topping: What is the
* 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled. Crispy is key! I usually cook mine in the oven for easy cleanup. * 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. What are some good ways to add cheese to a salad? Adds a nice pop of color and fresh flavor.

What are the step by

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you clean Fritos? I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use butter.

Step 2: Make the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the Cream Cheese, ranch dressing, milk, and 1 cup of cheddar. Set aside. I use an electric mixer to make sure there are no lumps. Then, stir in the cooked chicken. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Layer It Up!

Spread half of Fritos in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, spread the chicken mixture evenly over the Fritos. Top with the remaining Fritters. I like to break up some Fritos to make sure they cover the chicken mixture completely.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of Fritos. How do I distribute bacon and cheese evenly?

Step 5: Bake

If the cheese is melted in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is bubbly, and the crust is crispy, brown and golden brown, about 1 minute. Remove from the oven and let cool. What is a casserole? Keep an eye on it to make sure the Fritos don’t burn. If they start to get too dark, you can cover the dish with foil.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

What should I serve it with?

Chicken Bacon Ranch Frito Pie is a meal in itself, but it also pairs well with other side dishes. I usually serve it with a side salad or some steamed veggies. What are some ideas?

For a Complete Meal:A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salad.

For a Potluck:What are some good ways to serve this at potlucks? I usually bring a big bowl of coleslaw with me.

What are some ideas for a game day party? Serve it with other game day favorites like chicken wings, sliders, and nachos. Don’t forget the beer!

For a casual weeknight dinner:Steamed broccoli or Green Beans are a healthy side dish. What are some good side dishes to serve with cornbread?

My family loves it with a dollop of Sour Cream or extra ranch dressing. What are some good ways to make this dish?

How do I make a Frito-Pizza with Chicken Bacon?

How can I make this recipe even better?

Crispy Fritos:Don’t add the chicken mixture until you’re ready to bake the casserole. How do I prevent my Fritos from getting soggy?

Softened Cream Cheese: What are someMake sure the cream cheese is *really* softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. How do you make a smooth and creamy mixture?

Pre-cookedHow do you cook chicken? Can you use leftover grilled chicken breasts?

Cheese Choice:Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. What are some good alternatives to Monterey Jack?

Bacon Perfection:I like to cook my bacon in the oven for a few minutes. I prefer to bake it in tin foil. If you have a parchment paper baking sheet, line it with parchment and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Spice it Up:Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeos to the chicken mixture for some kick. My husband loves it with a dash of hot sauce.

I always add a little garlic powder to the chicken mixture for extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! What are some of my favorite things to eat: tomatoes, avocado, cilantro.

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

What are some good ways to store leftovers (which is rare!)?

Refrigerator Storage: How Store the leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Frito Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Fritos will lose some of their crispness, but it will still taste delicious.

Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the Fritos will get even softer.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this casserole, as the Fritos will get very soggy when thawed.

I usually just reheat a slice or two at a time in the microwave for a quick and easy lunch. If you’re reheating the whole casserole, adding a little bit of fresh cheese on top will help to revive it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Just brown the ground beef and drain off any excess grease before adding it to the chicken mixture. It’s a great way to switch things up.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, but don’t add the Fritos until just before baking to prevent them from getting soggy. Cover the assembled casserole with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Can I use a different type of chip?

While Fritos are the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of chips like Doritos or tortilla chips. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, or corn would all be great additions. Just add them to the chicken mixture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s not naturally spicy, but you can easily add some heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. A dash of hot sauce on top is also a great option.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that this Chicken Bacon Ranch Frito Pie is one of those recipes that everyone should have in their back pocket. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy Fritos, creamy chicken, cheesy goodness, and smoky bacon is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can easily customize it to your liking. If you love comfort food that’s quick and easy to make, this recipe is definitely for you. If you’re looking for other super-easy recipes, try my One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy cooking!

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