Description
Hearty chicken bacon ranch casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with creamy, cheesy goodness. Layered with crisp bacon, tender chicken, and zesty ranch, this dish promises a satisfying meal that draws families together around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 4 cups (0.95 liters) cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) ranch dressing
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch dish with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Create a luxurious sauce base by whisking cream cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a velvety, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate the primary proteins and half the cheese elements into the sauce, gently folding cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar and mozzarella until every morsel is thoroughly enrobed.
- Carefully transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution, then generously crown the surface with the remaining cheese varieties.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and allow it to bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling texture that signals optimal doneness.
- Once removed from the oven, enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by scattering the remaining crisp bacon fragments and freshly chopped green onions across the top.
- Serve the casserole immediately, accompanied by a crisp side salad or nestled atop cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
Notes
- Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that maintains creamy texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and added flavor complexity without extra cooking time.
- Replace regular bacon with turkey bacon to reduce overall fat content while keeping that smoky crunch.
- Choose gluten-free ranch dressing if preparing for individuals with gluten sensitivities to make the dish more inclusive.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg