Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole – Are you searching for an easy-to-make dish? Look no further, than this recipe for Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole! It’s filled with scrumptious tastes that are sure to please your liking. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy blend of cheeses it’s the ultimate comfort food. In half an hour you’ll have a meal that’s perfect, for family dinners or get-togethers with friends. Get ready to indulge in the world of flavors offered by this casserole.
I still remember the first time I prepared this Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole for my ones. The enticing aroma that filled our kitchen as it baked was simply irresistible. My husband and child couldn’t wait to dig in. Their eyes lit up with joy from the first bite. These winks fit as a reminder of the appeal of cooking—how a dish created with love and care can build recollections.
What makes this Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole truly special?
What places this Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole apart is its amalgamation of flavors and consistencies. The seasoned chicken, infused with ranch seasoning complements beautifully with the smoky crispness of the bacon. The velvety Alfredo sauce adds richness while the combination of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese forms a gooey topping that’s pure indulgence. This casserole is a blend of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
What You Need To Make This Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole Recipe?
Chicken Breast: Choose boneless skinless chicken breasts, for a tender and juicy result. Cut them into bite pieces for even cooking and easier serving.
Bacon: Opt for high-quality bacon to achieve that crispy texture and smoky flavor. Cook it until it becomes delightfully crispy adding a crunch to the casserole.
Olive Oil: The olive oil serves a dual purpose it coats the chicken to help the ranch seasoning stick while also contributing to a richer taste.
Ranch Dressing Mix: The packet of ranch dressing mix is your way to infuse the chicken with that signature tangy and herbaceous ranch flavor. It effortlessly elevates the dish in no time.
Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese: The combination of these two cheeses is crucial for creating that gooey and cheesy topping that everyone desires. Adjust the ratios based on your cheese preferences.
Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance the flavors of both the chicken and other ingredients. Be careful not to overdo it since bacon and ranch seasoning already bring some saltiness.
Alfredo Sauce: The creamy alfredo sauce forms a base, for this casserole. While store-bought options are convenient you can also experiment with homemade alfredo sauce for a touch.
Pasta: Pasta plays a role, as an ingredient soaking up the delicious flavors of the sauce and chicken. Both shell macaroni and elbow macaroni are great choices as their nooks and crannies effortlessly capture the essence of the sauce.
Steps To Make Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Make sure to grease a 9×9 casserole dish to prevent the food from sticking.
Step 3: Using a skillet, on medium-high heat cook the bacon until it turns brown and crispy. Place it on paper towels to drain any grease.
Step 4: In a ziplock bag combine the ranch seasoning mix and olive oil. Put the chicken in the bag. Shake it well until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 5: Now transfer the chicken into the skillet where you cooked the bacon. Cook it until there’s no pink left in the chicken. Set it aside to drain any liquid.
Step 6: While that’s happening, boil some water in a pot. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on its package. Cooked, drain and rinse it thoroughly.
Step 7: Take your greased casserole dish and place all of your cooked pasta inside.
Step 8: Next add both your chicken and alfredo sauce into the dish while giving everything a stir for an even distribution of flavors.
Step 9: To finish off sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese along with cheddar cheese over this casserole. Don’t forget about adding bacon.
Step 10: Put your casserole into your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Until you see a golden brown top, with bubbling goodness.
Step 11: Out of the oven allow your casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving so that all those delicious flavors can blend together perfectly.
Step 12: Enjoy this Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole while it’s still hot! Take pleasure in every bite!
Tip:
To make your Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole more flavorful try caramelizing onions, in the skillet before adding the chicken. Cook the onions, in the bacon drippings until they become golden brown and give off an aroma. This simple step adds a savory touch elevating the taste of the casserole. Your taste buds will definitely appreciate this effective enhancement!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this casserole?
While it is possible to utilize cooked chicken incorporating the chicken into the casserole after cooking it with ranch seasoning mix and olive oil enhances the overall flavor of the dish. If time is limited you might consider marinating the cooked chicken in the seasoning mix before assembling the casserole.
Can I substitute the alfredo sauce with something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option you could try using a combination of Greek yogurt and milk as a base. Alternatively experimenting with cheese sauces can help you find an alternative that complements your preferences.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Certainly! You have the option to assemble the casserole hours ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When you’re prepared to bake simply follow the instructions, as usual adjusting baking time if necessary.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Breast boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 envelope Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- ¾ cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar Alfredo Sauce
- 8 ounces pasta your choice (shell macaroni or elbow macaroni)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make sure to grease a 9x9 casserole dish to prevent the food from sticking.
- Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and then set it aside on some paper towels.
- In a bag mix together the ranch dressing mix and olive oil. Add the chicken to the bag. Shake it well so that the chicken gets coated evenly.
- Using the skillet you used for cooking bacon cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, in color.
- Boil some pasta and drain it well. Transfer it into the greased casserole dish.
- Combine the chicken with alfredo sauce. Gently stir them together with the pasta.
- Sprinkle an amount of mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of everything.
- Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven, for 15 minutes. Until you see bubbling and a golden crust forming on top.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help all of its flavors come together nicely.
- Enjoy your delicious Chicken Ranch and Bacon Casserole while it's still warm!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
