Description
Hearty chicken bacon ranch casserole brings comfort right to dinner tables with creamy, cheesy goodness. Simple ingredients combine into a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weekend gatherings and family nights when hunger calls for something satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 0.5 lbs bacon, crispy
Dairy and Sauce:
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup cream cheese
Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Dice the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring even cooking throughout the casserole.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp and golden, then crumble into small, crunchy pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend ranch dressing, sour cream, cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Fold the diced chicken and crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce, coating each piece thoroughly.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire casserole, creating a rich and melty top layer.
- Combine breadcrumbs with dried parsley, then evenly distribute the mixture over the cheese for a crispy, herbed topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing of the creamy sauce and prevent lumpy textures.
- Trim excess fat from chicken breasts before dicing to maintain a leaner, healthier casserole option.
- Consider using turkey bacon for a lower-fat alternative that still provides delicious crispy texture and smoky flavor.
- Swap regular ranch dressing with Greek yogurt-based ranch for a protein-packed, lighter version of the dish that cuts down on calories without sacrificing taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg