Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix; 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice (short grain recommended); 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 slices bacon, fried and chopped; 2 ½ cups low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup half and half (or heavy cream); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fluffy rice are combined with a creamy ranch sauce and baked to perfection, creating a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Cheesy: This casserole is packed with the classic flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch, all topped with a generous amount of melted cheddar cheese.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is a breeze to assemble and bake.
Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or even different types of rice.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Olive oil: For coating the chicken.
Ranch dressing mix: Adds a classic ranch flavor to the casserole.
White rice: Uncooked, I used short-grain rice for a stickier texture, but you can use long-grain rice or even brown rice.
Onion: Chopped, for flavor and texture.
Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
Bacon: Fried until crispy and chopped, adds a smoky and salty flavor.
Chicken broth: Low sodium or no sodium added, adds flavor and moisture to the casserole.
Half and half: Adds richness and creaminess. You can substitute with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded, for a cheesy and melty topping.
Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the ranch dressing mix. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

In a 9×13 inch casserole dish, combine the uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, half of the chopped bacon, chicken broth, half and half, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing mix. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Top the casserole with the remaining bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, especially the chicken and cheese, the better the flavor of the casserole.
Adjust the cooking time: If you’re using brown rice, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Customize the flavors: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, to the casserole. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Main Course: This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats or vegetables.
Potluck Dish: It’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s easy to transport and serve at potlucks or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even sausage.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before freezing.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the casserole before baking.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Stacy Corbo

Hi, I’m Stacy Corbo! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe