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:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
