Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Jazzing up dinner is a snap with a chicken bacon ranch casserole. This dish is similar to mac and cheese but is turbo-boosted with ranch seasoning and the super protein combo of cooked chicken and bacon. I love recipes that start with ranch dressing mix, because the mix is perfectly savory and adds zesty herbs and spice to almost anything. The guy who invented ranch dressing was on to something!

Adding ranch dressing and mix to this pan of creamy pasta gives it the perfect punch of flavor, which makes my friends and family always compete for second helpings. Once you make bacon chicken ranch casserole, either as a side dish or the main event, the casserole will go into heavy rotation and become one of your favorite casserole recipes.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Ingredients

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• Spiral pasta: Each pasta shape holds sauce differently, and spirals are the best choice for this bacon ranch chicken casserole. Spiral noodles have many nooks and crannies, so each bite is super saucy.
• Milk: Milk creates a creamy blend of flavors and textures. We use 2% milk, but you can use whole or skim. Note: If you use the latter, your sauce will be thinner.
• Ranch salad dressing: Ranch is so tasty thanks to buttermilk, herbs and mayo (in just the right proportion). You can make ranch dressing from scratch or buy your favorite bottled brand at the store.
• Ranch salad dressing mix: You can use your favorite ranch dressing mix or whip up a batch from your spice cupboard.
• Cream cheese: Rich and smooth, cream cheese melts easily and creates a luscious texture in this bacon chicken ranch casserole.
• Cooked chicken: Chop up some leftover chicken if you have it, but rotisserie chicken from the market is a quick fix when you don’t have time to roast a bird. (This is just one of many dinners to make with rotisserie chicken!)
• Bacon: Bacon brings smoke and crunch to this casserole. Try baking bacon for evenly crisp strips without a lot of fuss.
• Colby cheese: Colby cheese is mild and melts easily, making it the perfect finishing touch for this bacon ranch chicken casserole. You can use other good melting cheeses if needed. I love Gouda, sharp cheddar or a flavorful Gruyere. For added flavor and consistency, shred the cheese yourself instead of buying the bags of pre-shredded stuff.
• Sliced green onions: For the pop of color and the kick of flavor, a little green onion is worth the few extra moments of chopping. Chives are also a great option.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the pasta

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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cook the spiral pasta according to the package directions. Drain and transfer the pasta to a large bowl.

Editor’s Tip: Salting pasta water adds extra flavor. Reserve 2 tablespoons pasta water for the sauce to help it adhere to the pasta.

Step 2: Make the sauce

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In the same pasta pan, combine the milk, ranch salad dressing and salad dressing mix until smooth.

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Stir in the cream cheese. Cook and stir over medium heat until the cream cheese melts.

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Pour the sauce over the pasta.

Step 3: Add the chicken and bacon

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Stir in the cubed chicken, bacon crumbles and 1 cup Colby cheese.

Step 4: Top with the cheese and bake

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Transfer everything to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup Colby cheese. Bake, uncovered, until heated through and the cheese melts, 15 to 20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with green onion before serving.

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Recipe Variations

• Get your greens: Stir in cooked broccoli, peas or some diced bell peppers for added vitamins and a little more color.
• Add aromatics: Before starting the sauce, saute some minced onion and garlic in the pan, expanding the flavor profile of the whole dish.
• Try sliders: If you love these flavors but don’t feel like pasta, how about chicken bacon ranch sliders? Whether for a cookout or a cocktail party, sliders provide a brilliant bite no matter the occasion.

How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Leftover bacon chicken ranch casserole can be wrapped tightly in the baking pan or transferred to an airtight storage container, then place the casserole in the refrigerator.

How long does chicken bacon ranch casserole last?

Bacon ranch chicken casserole leftovers last three to four days in the fridge when properly covered and stored.

Can you freeze chicken bacon ranch casserole?

Yes, you can freeze bacon chicken ranch casserole; it will last up to three months in the freezer. Freeze individual servings to make reheating smaller portions easier.

How do you reheat chicken bacon ranch casserole?

You can reheat this bacon ranch chicken casserole in the microwave or in the oven. Bake it at 350° for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow the casserole to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Tips

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How can you ensure your chicken bacon ranch casserole isn’t too dry?

A well-made sauce with the right amount of liquid keeps this bacon chicken ranch casserole moist. As you melt the cream cheese into the milk and ranch dressing, keep the pan over medium heat so the liquid doesn’t simmer too much. If the sauce feels thick, you can add a touch more milk. You can also add a little milk to avoid any dryness when reheating.

What can you serve with chicken bacon ranch casserole?

Adding a veggie to this bacon ranch chicken casserole makes it a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it with side salad recipes like a strawberry arugula feta salad. You can also make some roasted vegetables with sage and bake them in the oven with the casserole. Finish your meal with a cherry crisp and a big scoop of ice cream; your crowd will be delighted!