20-Minute Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold ranch flavor, this chicken bacon ranch casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a luscious blend of cheeses, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
This easy, low-carb meal requires just seven simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you add broccoli for a fresh crunch or spinach for a hearty twist, this dish is a fast and satisfying way to get dinner on the table.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Ranch dressing – Infuses the casserole with creamy, herby goodness.
- Garlic – Adds depth and aromatic richness to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken – Provides the protein-packed base, either shredded or cubed.
- Bacon – Crispy, smoky, and utterly irresistible in every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey perfection, creating a smooth and stretchy texture.
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp and tangy, balancing out the creaminess of the ranch.
- Broccoli or spinach – Choose your favorite for a nutritious boost and added texture.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C) and prepare your chosen vegetable. Blanch the broccoli briefly to maintain its bright color, or if using spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and well-drained.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, garlic, ranch dressing, and half of both cheeses. Stir in your vegetable of choice until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar on top for a bubbly, golden finish.
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. Serve warm and enjoy this easy, satisfying meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
For extra flavor, mix in 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning with the dressing. If you prefer a richer texture, try adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream. To make it even crispier, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Switch up the recipe by using different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick. If you want a heartier meal, serve the casserole over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about a minute, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This chicken bacon ranch casserole is a lifesaver on busy nights, delivering big flavors with minimal effort. Try it once, and it just might become a regular in your meal rotation!
20-Minute Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup Ranch dressing
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 4 cups Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and either cubed or shredded
- 8 slices Bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded (divided)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded (divided)
Version 1 with Broccoli:
- 5 cups Broccoli florets
Version 2 with Spinach:
- 1 lb Frozen spinach thawed and well-drained
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C).
- If opting for spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and squeezed dry. If using broccoli, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the florets, and let them simmer for 1-2 minutes until they turn vibrant green.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, drained spinach or broccoli, minced garlic, ranch dressing, and half of both shredded cheeses. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) glass or stoneware casserole dish. You can also mix everything directly in the dish for convenience.
- For an extra burst of ranch flavor, consider incorporating 1-3 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix along with the dressing.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!