Welcome to the epitome of comfort food – Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole. This hearty dish combines the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and zesty ranch seasoning, all baked together to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a gathering with friends, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the step-by-step process of creating this delectable masterpiece, from cooking the bacon to layering the ingredients and baking it to golden perfection. Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food experience with Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices Bacon
- 2 Chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 1 Garlic clove, minced
- 1 handful Parsley or chives, chopped
- 1/2 cup Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cup Cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet Spaghetti
- 1 tsp Dried Italian herbs seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup Whole milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped parsley or chives, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, dried Italian herbs seasoning, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix well to combine.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the mixing bowl with the chicken mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the chicken and spaghetti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small saucepan, combine the grated cheddar cheese, grated Monterey Jack cheese, Velveeta cheese, and whole milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken and spaghetti mixture in the baking dish, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite ingredients. Add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Substitute other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini, for the spaghetti if desired.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese would all be delicious options.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are some modifications you can make to create a keto-friendly version of Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole:
- Replace the spaghetti with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of cream of chicken soup to thicken the sauce.
- Swap out the Velveeta cheese for cream cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese to reduce the carb count.
- Omit the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds as a low-carb alternative for topping the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
Q: Can I use precooked chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use precooked chicken in this recipe to save time. Simply shred or chop the precooked chicken and add it to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the casserole may require less time in the oven if using precooked chicken.
In conclusion, Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its winning combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and zesty ranch seasoning, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with our keto and low-carb adaptations, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of this dish while staying true to your dietary goals. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of Bacon Chicken Ranch Casserole – it’s comfort food at its finest!
