Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. If you haven't already, cook bacon in a skillet until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, dry ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until completely smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the shredded chicken, about three-quarters of the crumbled bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about 1.25 cups). Stir until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved crumbled bacon.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh green onions or chives and serving.
Notes
For the creamiest sauce, ensure your cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature. Shredding your own cheese from a block yields a much smoother melt. You can assemble the casserole (without the final toppings) up to a day in advance; cover, refrigerate, then add toppings and increase bake time by 10-15 minutes. For variations, try adding 8 ounces of cooked pasta, a diced jalapeño for heat, or a crunchy topping of crushed crackers mixed with melted butter.
