Go Back
A golden-baked Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole in a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon.

Dreamy Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

This casserole is the ultimate celebration of the timeless trio: chicken, bacon, and ranch. It's a gloriously bubbly and cheesy dish featuring tender chicken, salty bacon, and a rich ranch sauce, delivering pure, unadulterated comfort in a baking dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 815
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells
  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • ½ cup milk, plus more if needed
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Slotted spoon
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula or large spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions, but for 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time for al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, place the chopped bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
  4. Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the warm bacon grease and stir until completely melted and smooth.
  5. Whisk in the sour cream, milk, and the dry ranch seasoning packet. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. To the skillet with the sauce, add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, two-thirds of the crispy bacon, and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold everything together until fully coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the rest of the crispy bacon evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly and golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with green onions and serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

For the best texture, undercook the pasta slightly as it will finish cooking in the oven. Using room temperature cream cheese and sour cream is key for a smooth, lump-free sauce. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set. Variations: Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or top with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter before baking for a crunchy topping. Cooked turkey can be substituted for chicken, and other cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack can be used.