Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole is a rich and creamy casserole full of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the best amount of mouthwatering ranch flavor. It’s all mixed together in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole will be a family favorite for sure!
Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole
Is there a better flavor combo than chicken, bacon, and ranch? The Midwest queen in me says NO! The shredded chicken is tender and the bacon is the perfect amount of salty and crispy. The shape of the fusilli pasta really holds in the creamy sauce making every bite pure perfection. The prep is simple and you could even save time by buying rotisserie chicken and shredding it or buying pre shredded chicken. The ranch flavor is truly the star here, and creates a flavor profile combined with the melted cheddar cheese that tastes like comfort in a bowl. This kind of casserole is perfect for a crowd or just a cozy night with the family.
Casseroles are the perfect throw together dinners that hit the spot every time. Try this quick and easy Ham and Noodle Casserole or a flavorful Philly Cheesesteak Casserole for your next dinner obsession.
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
The key is getting your chicken cooked through without drying it out. You want to keep the chicken moist and juicy for easier shredding. Once cooked, there are a variety of ways to shred it. A mixer set to low speed is helpful when you don’t want to get your hands dirty. Two forks is a simple, non electric method. Or you can go right in with freshly washed hands and shred the meat manually. Whatever method you prefer will get the job done!
How To Make Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Preheat. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Stir. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Add in the milk, ranch seasoning, onion and garlic powder, and pepper. Stir once more to combine.
- Fold. Gently fold in the boiled pasta, shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and 2 cups of the shredded cheese.
- Bake. Spread the casserole into a medium baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over top and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is nice and bubbling.
- Serve. Serve hot with sliced green onions as a garnish and enjoy.
Storing Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole
You can store leftovers of your bacon ranch chicken casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Ingredients Notes for Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Cream Cheese – Be sure to soften your cream cheese before mixing. To make things easier, leave it on the counter while you cook up your bacon, chicken, and pasta. The cream cheese will have softened by the time you’re ready to move on to your next step.
- Sour Cream – If you’ve got plain greek yogurt on hand, that can be used instead. It gives a similar taste and texture to sour cream.
- Milk – Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, however, you can use whatever milk you prefer.
- Seasonings – A packet of ranch seasoning is a must, I also like to throw in onion powder, garlic powder, and a dash of pepper.
- Pasta – Cook the pasta according to package directions. I like to use fusilli pasta but you can use any pasta that has those twists and grooves to trap in that creamy sauce.
- Chicken – Cook and shred your chicken before adding it into the casserole.
- Bacon – Cook to your preferred level of crisp, then chop into chunks.
- Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded sharp cheddar makes this casserole so rich and flavorful.
- Green Onions – This is optional but I like the added bit of flavor, texture, and color this garnish gives.
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Cream cheese softened
- 1 Cup Sour cream
- 1/4 Cup Milk
- 2 Tbsp Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 8 Ounces Fusilli pasta boiled, drained, and rinsed
- 3 Cups Cooked shredded chicken
- 6 Slices Bacon cooked crisp and chopped
- 3 Cups Freshly shredded cheddar cheese divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Stir the cream cheese and sour cream in a large bowl then stir in the milk, ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Fold in the pasta, chicken, bacon, and 2 cups of the cheese then pour into a 9×9-inch or medium baking dish and spread it out.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top then bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with freshly sliced green onions for garnish if desired.
