Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole features tender chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, pasta, and gooey melted cheese. Easy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Base
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 8 oz 2 cups rotini or penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 1 cup cooked bacon crumbled
Sauce
- 1 packet 1 oz ranch dressing mix
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: Make the Ranch Sauce
- In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch dressing mix.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Combine the Casserole
- Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping).
- Fold together until everything is coated evenly.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
- Step 4: Add Cheese
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top. Finish with reserved bacon.
- Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier, browned top.
- Remove from oven and rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Pair with salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Use al dente pasta—it softens more during baking.
For extra creaminess, add ¼ cup more milk or sour cream.
Use fresh-grated cheese—melts smoother than pre-shredded.
To lighten it up, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.