If you love cozy, family-style comfort food, you’ll adore this chicken bacon ranch casserole. It’s quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients for a creamy, cheesy dinner that feels just like something Grandma would have served on a weeknight.
This recipe bakes up warm and hearty with tender chicken, crispy bacon, broccoli florets, and a creamy ranch sauce topped with melty cheese. It’s the kind of casserole that tastes indulgent but comes together in minutes. I still remember Grandma pulling casseroles like this out of the oven, the smell of bacon filling the kitchen.
What You Need to Know
- The ranch seasoning mix gives the casserole a bold, savory flavor.
- You can prep this casserole ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
- For a lighter twist, use low-fat cream cheese and skim milk instead of cream cheese and almond milk.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s what makes this casserole so comforting and flavorful:
- Cooked chicken (4 cups, diced) - Great for using up leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
- Bacon (5 slices, cooked and crumbled) - Adds salty, smoky flavor.
- Frozen broccoli florets (16 oz, thawed) - An easy veggie add-in that keeps the dish balanced.
- Onion (1 small, diced) - Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 oz) - The star flavor that ties everything together.
- Colby Jack cheese (1.5 cups shredded) - Shred from a block for the best melt.
- Almond milk (½ cup) - Makes the sauce creamy without being heavy.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, cubed and softened) - Creates a rich, creamy texture.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Sauté the diced onion in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Meanwhile, thaw the frozen broccoli.
Step 2: Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add almond milk to the skillet, then stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, then add the chicken, broccoli, and bacon. Mix everything together until evenly coated.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Grandma’s Tips
- Use leftover roast chicken or turkey to save time.
- Always shred your cheese from a block for the smoothest melt.
Modern Updates
- Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free ranch seasoning packet.
- Swap in turkey bacon and light cream cheese for a lower-calorie version.
More Cozy Casserole Recipes to Try
More Easy Casserole Recipes
FAQs
Can you make chicken bacon ranch casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
What goes with chicken bacon ranch casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
Can I freeze chicken bacon ranch casserole?
Yes. Assemble and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Does chicken bacon ranch casserole have pasta?
Not this version. It’s made without pasta or Alfredo sauce for a lighter, low-carb take on the classic.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Sauté the diced onion in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Meanwhile, thaw the frozen broccoli.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add almond milk to the skillet, then stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning mix, then add the chicken, broccoli, and bacon. Mix everything together until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- This recipe uses pre-cooked chicken and bacon. We like to boil chicken in batches, shred or cube it, and freeze for quick meals. Bacon also cooks well in the oven and can be frozen for later use.
- Shredded or cubed chicken both work. A rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, though it may add a little extra saltiness.
- For seasoning, Simply Organic Ranch mix is a great all-natural option with 1 net carb, while Hidden Valley has 0 net carbs but includes some artificial ingredients.
- Leftover roast chicken or turkey makes an easy substitute.
- Always shred cheese from a block for the best melt and creamy texture.
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