Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Use up leftover chicken or turkey with this super simple and super delicious chicken bacon ranch casserole. You can put it on the table in 30 minutes!
This creamy casserole is comfort food in a pan. It combines a creamy ranch flavored sauce with tender chicken and crunchy bacon bits.
This chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe is.a fantastic leftover buster, and s the best thing for busy weeknights since it can be made ahead. You can even freeze it — it’s a great addition to your freezer meal rotation.
Ingredients
- Shredded Chicken: You’ll need about 2 cups for this chicken bacon ranch casserole recipe. You can shred chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins, use a rotisserie chicken, or just use any leftover chicken. You can even sub shredded turkey here if you need a way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers!
- Bacon Bits: You can also cook up some crispy bacon and crumble it!
- Egg Noodles: You can sub these with any kind of pasta, like elbow macaroni, rigatoni, or even bow ties.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli works in this recipe since you’re going to be steaming it.
- Cream Cheese: You’ll need 4 oz of cream cheese. Feel free to use a non-dairy type, reduced fat, or even Neufchâtel cheese as a substitute.
- Sour Cream: I use full-fat sour cream in order to get that delicious creaminess, but you can feel free to use any sour cream including lite or lactose free!
- Shredded Cheese: I used a blend of cheddar and colby jack. You can use any cheese that will melt, like mozzarella cheese or colby jack cheese. I think the flavor of cheddar cheese is the best complement to the other flavors in this recipe.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: You’re just going to use the mix for this recipe. If you’d like, you can make your own or buy it at the grocery store.
Instructions
Step 1 | Prep
Before you can begin making the casserole, you’ll need to do three things: soften the cream cheese, boil the egg noodles, and steam the broccoli.
To soften the cream cheese, you can either leave it on the countertop for a few hours, or place it on a microwaveable plate and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
For the egg noodles, follow the package instructions to cook them to al dente. You don’t want them too soft, since they will cook even more in the casserole. Drain them before the next step.
For the broccoli, you can use one of these methods to steam it.
Step 2 | Combine
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and the softened cream cheese. Add the ranch seasoning and mix it in well. This is going to become your creamy sauce!
In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, bacon bits or crumbled bacon, 1 cup of the cheese, the egg noodles, and broccoli. Mix the sour cream mixture in and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3 | Assemble
Scoop your chicken mixture into a casserole dish or a 9×13 baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bacon bits.
Step 4 | Bake
Bake your casserole for 25 minutes at 350°. Your casserole is done when the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5 | Enjoy!
Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm garnished with chopped green onions and cracked black pepper. We pair this with biscuits or rolls and a side salad for a deliciously easy dinner!
Variations
You can make a few subs to change the original recipe to something that will please your whole family.
- Change the Veggies: You can sub the broccoli with spinach, chopped bell pepper, or even green chiles for a Southwestern flair!
- No More Noodles: Sub the noodles with an equal amount of cooked white rice to make a rice casserole version.
- Change the Protein: This makes a fantastic leftover buster if you simply sub the chicken for shredded turkey!
- Play with Seasoning: Hidden Valley Ranch has so many different types of ranch seasoning mix — try creamy jalapeno, fiesta, or black pepper parmesan ranch seasoning!
More Comforting Casseroles
FAQs
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake when ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Microwave individual portions or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes).
Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 oz broccoli, chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 pkg ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2.5 oz bacon bits
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Steam broccoli and cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain egg noodles.
- In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon bits, 1 cup of shredded cheese, drained egg noodles, and steamed broccoli. Add the sour cream mixture and stir until well combined.
- Scoop chicken mixture into casserole dish. Use spatula to smooth, then sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes. Casserole is done when the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole — a rich and hearty dish loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or cozy nights in!