If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty meal that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, look no further. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings. Packed with tender chicken, crisp bacon, and fresh broccoli, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Read on to discover the secret behind this mouth-watering recipe and ensure you get every detail right.

What is Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a delectable dish that marries the flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning into a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and easy to make. It's a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken and can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients List for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
To make this tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon
- 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta (or white penne, or other short pasta shape)
- 1 pound fresh broccoli (chopped into florets)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided)
- Chopped fresh chives (for serving)
Substitutions and Variations
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is highly customizable. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Pasta: Substitute whole wheat penne with gluten-free pasta or any other short pasta shape like rotini or farfalle.
- Broccoli: Use cauliflower florets or a mix of both for a different vegetable profile.
- Cheese: Swap sharp cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
- Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey as a replacement for the cooked chicken breast.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and dairy-free cheese to make the casserole dairy-free.
- Low Carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from skillet, crumble, and set aside. Leave a small amount of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the unsalted butter and olive oil. Once melted, add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the low sodium chicken broth and whole milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Season the Sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast, crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta mixture, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Pasta: Ensure pasta is cooked al dente; overcooked pasta will become mushy after baking.
- Not Thickening Sauce Properly: Ensure the sauce thickens adequately before combining with pasta to avoid a watery casserole.
- Skipping Pre-Cooking Broccoli: Pre-cook broccoli slightly to ensure it's tender in the final dish.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Family Style: Serve directly from the baking dish with a large spoon, allowing everyone to help themselves.
- Individual Portions: Scoop portions onto individual plates and garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Garnish: Sprinkle additional crumbled bacon and fresh chives on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with Sides: Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the richness of the casserole.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli? A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it well before adding to the pasta to prevent excess moisture.
Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian? A: Yes, simply omit the chicken and bacon, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Q: What other cheeses can I use? A: Any meltable cheese works well, such as mozzarella, provolone, or gouda.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked pasta? A: It's best to cook the pasta fresh, but if using pre-cooked pasta, ensure it's slightly undercooked to avoid becoming too soft when baked.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a versatile, flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy ranch sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh broccoli, every bite is a delight. Follow the step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready in no time. Happy cooking!
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole combines penne pasta, fresh broccoli, chicken breast, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy bacon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 12 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped into florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken breast
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- Chopped fresh chives, for serving
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, drain and crumble.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Add broccoli florets in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, pasta, and broccoli. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with chives.
Notes
- You can use white penne or any short pasta shape if desired.
- Substitute other vegetables for broccoli as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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