Irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole – A Cheesy Delight!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole – Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole. This dish is a heavenly combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and the zesty flavor of ranch dressing. It’s the perfect harmony of flavors that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Prepare to be enchanted by the gooey, cheesy goodness that awaits you in every bite!

There’s a magical recipe that has become an absolute favorite in our household – the Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole. I can still vividly remember the first time my husband and I tasted this heavenly creation. The aroma of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen, creating an irresistible allure. As I prepared the dish, my little family eagerly gathered around, their mouths watering in anticipation. When we finally took our first bite, it was as if time stood still. The flavors danced on our tongues, and our taste buds were overwhelmed with joy. Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our home, bringing us together and creating memories with every delectable forkful.

Why This Recipe Will Steal Your Heart?

• Delectable Flavor Fusion: Our Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole combines the savory goodness of bacon, the succulent shredded chicken, and the tangy zest of ranch dressing, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Each bite is an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Creamy and Cheesy Bliss: Imagine velvety layers of melted Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese, intertwining with the pasta, chicken, and bacon, forming a luscious symphony of cheesy delight. This casserole is pure comfort food at its finest.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible to both seasoned cooks and beginners. It’s a fantastic way to bring a touch of gourmet to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 10 slices bacon, diced (300 g)
• 3 cups shredded chicken (cooked and seasoned; see recipe notes for substitutions) (360 g)
• 1 oz. package dried ranch dressing seasoning (28 g)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 g)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24 g)
• 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
• 2 cups half and half (480 ml)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (45 g)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (180 g)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (120 g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb. dry large elbow pasta (450 g)

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute to keep it slightly firm. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a 3-quart baking dish. Set it aside.

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium-low heat until it turns crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

Increase the heat to medium, add the shredded chicken and dried ranch dressing seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken with the seasoning and cook for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the flour and whisk it with the butter to form a paste.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and half and half, whisking vigorously to incorporate the liquids. Continue whisking as you add the remaining liquid. Cook and whisk the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.

Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the bacon pieces to the skillet. Mix everything together until well combined.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and bacon on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Notes:

• You can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked and seasoned ground turkey or even diced ham for a different twist.
• For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or a combination of milk and chicken broth instead of heavy cream and half and half. However, the result may be less creamy.
• Feel free to add some extra ingredients like sautéed onions, chopped tomatoes, or diced bell peppers to personalize the casserole according to your taste.

In conclusion, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole is a dish that will captivate your taste buds and bring a burst of flavor to your table. Its irresistible combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and zesty ranch dressing creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner, a potluck favorite, or a dish to impress guests, this casserole is a guaranteed winner.

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness that melts in your mouth with every bite. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize this recipe to your preferences make it a go-to option for any occasion. Share the magic of this recipe with your loved ones and watch as their faces light up with delight.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure with our Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole. Trust me, once you experience the unforgettable flavors and the joy it brings to your table, this recipe will become a treasured favorite in your household. Get ready to fall in love with this cheesy delight that promises to satisfy your cravings and create lasting memories.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled dish.

Can I freeze the Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole for later enjoyment. After baking and cooling it completely, tightly cover it with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While the large elbow pasta works best for capturing the sauce and cheese, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes. Shells, rigatoni, or penne would be great alternatives.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or a combination of cornstarch and water (make a slurry). Also, ensure that the dried ranch dressing seasoning you use is gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or any other vegetables you enjoy to make the casserole even heartier and more nutritious.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole

Sacrlett

This dish is a heavenly combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and the zesty flavor of ranch dressing. It's the perfect harmony of flavors that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 10 slices bacon diced (300 g)
• 3 cups shredded chicken cooked and seasoned; see recipe notes for substitutions (360 g)
• 1 oz. package dried ranch dressing seasoning 28 g
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 42 g
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 24 g
• 2 cups heavy cream 480 ml
• 2 cups half and half 480 ml
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 45 g
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided (180 g)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided (120 g)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb. dry large elbow pasta 450 g

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute to keep it slightly firm. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a 3-quart baking dish. Set it aside.
• In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium-low heat until it turns crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
• Increase the heat to medium, add the shredded chicken and dried ranch dressing seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to coat the chicken with the seasoning and cook for 2-3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the flour and whisk it with the butter to form a paste.
• Slowly pour in the heavy cream and half and half, whisking vigorously to incorporate the liquids. Continue whisking as you add the remaining liquid. Cook and whisk the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the shredded cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.
• Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and half of the bacon pieces to the skillet. Mix everything together until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and bacon on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

Notes

You can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked and seasoned ground turkey or even diced ham for a different twist.

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or a combination of milk and chicken broth instead of heavy cream and half and half. However, the result may be less creamy.

Feel free to add some extra ingredients like sautéed onions, chopped tomatoes, or diced bell peppers to personalize the casserole according to your taste.

Keyword Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole