Looking for a delicious and easy casserole recipe that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole! Packed with flavor and simple to make, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- This casserole can be prepped in advance, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- It’s versatile – you can easily customize this dish with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredient Notes:
For the casserole:
- diced or shredded cooked chicken breast
- cooked and chopped bacon
- broccoli florets OR thawed frozen spinach (well-drained)
- minced garlic
- ranch dressing
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping:
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- shredded cheddar cheese
Optional:
- ranch seasoning mix (for added flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, bacon, broccoli or spinach, garlic, ranch dressing, and cheeses.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: sprinkle ranch seasoning mix on top before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end.
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheeses for a different flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken in this recipe.
- If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.
- Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For drinks, try serving it with a crisp white wine or a cold glass of lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
- It’s best to use cooked chicken for this casserole, but you can cook frozen chicken before adding it to the dish.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- While this casserole can be frozen, the texture of the vegetables may change slightly upon thawing.
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of flavors and simple preparation, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a must-try for any home cook. Give it a go and let us know how it turns out!
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
- Total Time: 40-45 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and flavorful ranch dressing. It’s topped with a cheesy blend of mozzarella and cheddar for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 4 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken breast
- 8 slices cooked and chopped bacon
- 5 cups broccoli florets OR 1 pound thawed frozen spinach (well-drained)
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional:
- 1–3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix (for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, broccoli or spinach, minced garlic, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- You can customize the seasoning by adding different herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg