Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch flavor enveloped in tender rice. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to whip up yet packed with flavor, this casserole is for you! It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or whenever you want to impress friends and family. Just imagine coming home after a long day and greeting a warm, hearty meal. The thought alone makes it even more inviting!

In this blog post, I’m excited to guide you through creating this delightful masterpiece. It’s a one-pot wonder that promises to please even the pickiest eaters. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab our ingredients, and get started on this delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. You’re going to love how simple yet satisfying it is to prepare. Ready? Let’s dive in!

What is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a delightful blend of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch flavors baked together with tender rice. This one-dish wonder offers the ultimate comfort food experience, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This casserole stands out for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The creamy base, paired with the crunch of bacon and the savory notes of ranch seasoning, creates a dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (1 packet or 1 oz)
• 1½ cups uncooked white rice (short grain preferred)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 slices cooked bacon (fried and chopped)
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup half and half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Preparing Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Preheat the Oven

First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures the casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly creamy and golden.

Combine Chicken with Olive Oil and Seasoning

In a medium-sized bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the ranch seasoning mix. This marinating step adds flavor. Let the mixture sit while you prepare the rest.

Mix Rice and Vegetables

Now, grab 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 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix. Stir well to mix everything evenly.

Add Chicken to the Mixture

It’s time to add the seasoned chicken to the rice and veggie mixture. Make sure to stir well so that all those lovely flavors are evenly distributed throughout.

Add Cheese and Bacon Topping

Once everything is mixed, sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon on top. Then, lay a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over it all. This will create a wonderful cheesy crust as it bakes.

Bake Until Casserole is Ready

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered. After that, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked through and the top is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve

When it comes out of the oven, don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley. It not only adds color but also freshness to the dish. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It’s also excellent with garlic bread or crusty French rolls, making it a satisfying dining experience.

Tips for Success

• For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing for a few hours before cooking.
• Ensure your bacon is crispy before adding it to the casserole. This gives your dish an incredible crunch.
• Use short-grain rice for a creamier texture. Long-grain can work but may not yield the same richness.

Variations

• Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a spicy kick.
• Add vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers to incorporate some greens into the mix.
• Substitute the chicken with turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option when you’re short on time.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole reheats nicely, so it’s great for making ahead!

Pairing Ideas

Serve with a light, citrusy salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the richness of the casserole. It can elevate your meal and ensure a refreshing finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, ground beef, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. Flexibility in ingredients is always a perk!

2. Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. If baking straight from the fridge, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

4. What can I use instead of half and half?
You can substitute half and half with heavy cream or, for a lighter option, use milk mixed with a bit of butter.

5. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the rice is tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the top is golden and bubbly.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings families together. With its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s the perfect heartwarming dish for any occasion. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it promises to become a favorite in your recipe rotation, ensuring smiles around the dinner table. Don’t hesitate to customize it to fit your preferences, and savor the deliciousness!

More Easy Desserts & Sweets Recipes:

• Lemon Ricotta Cookies
• Brownie Batter Dip
• Lemon Blueberry Bread Pudding
• German Chocolate Cake

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is the ideal comfort food, featuring juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch flavor, all baked together for an easy weeknight meal.

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (1 packet or 1 oz)
• 1½ cups uncooked white rice (short grain preferred)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 8 slices cooked bacon (fried and chopped)
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup half and half
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Toss chicken pieces with olive oil and ranch seasoning, let sit.
• In a casserole dish, mix rice, onion, garlic, half of the bacon, chicken broth, half and half, and remaining seasoning.
• Add the seasoned chicken and stir to combine.
• Top with remaining bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
• Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes until golden.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken in ranch dressing before cooking.
Crisp bacon ensures a delightful crunch in the dish.
Use short-grain rice for a creamier consistency.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 720
• Fat: 30
• Saturated Fat: 13
• Unsaturated Fat: 17
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 45
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 35
• Cholesterol: 130