bacon-chicken-ranch-casserole

Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole: A Savory Comfort Food Delight

  Today, we’re bringing you a dish that’s the epitome of comfort food: Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole. This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese into a mouthwatering medley that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this dish will be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a satisfying, cheesy, and savory masterpiece!

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Place them in a heated skillet with a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let them cool for a few minutes.
  3. Once cooled, chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it.

Assemble the Casserole: 4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped or shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing. Mix everything until well combined.

  1. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Prepare the Topping: 6. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are coated with butter.

Top and Bake: 7. Sprinkle the cracker or breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and cheese mixture in the baking dish.

  1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve and Garnish: 9. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. If desired, garnish with fresh chives or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Cook’s Notes:

  • Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite cheeses or add some diced vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
  • To save time, you can use pre-cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing mixture.

Variations:

  • Loaded Potato Casserole: Add diced potatoes to the casserole for a “loaded baked potato” twist. Parboil the potatoes before adding them to the mixture.
  • Tex-Mex Twist: Substitute the ranch dressing with a creamy chipotle sauce for a Tex-Mex-inspired flavor.
  • Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken and bacon to create a delicious vegetarian version, adding more veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra flavor.

  Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole is a savory delight that combines the richness of cheese and bacon with the creamy goodness of ranch dressing. With its ease of preparation and irresistible flavors, it’s a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole will be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the comforting and cheesy goodness of this savory delight!

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