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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup cream of chicken soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini) - 1/2 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup crispy tortilla strips (for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in flavor. Start with cooked chicken, which gives the dish a hearty base. I love using shredded chicken for its texture and ability to soak up flavors. The ranch dressing and cream of chicken soup provide creamy goodness that binds everything together. Next, add cooked pasta for a filling touch. I recommend penne or rotini; they hold the sauce well and add a nice bite. Adding frozen peas not only brings a pop of color but also a bit of sweetness. Spices like garlic powder and onion powder boost the flavor without overpowering the dish. A touch of salt and black pepper rounds everything out. Finally, don’t forget the toppings! Crispy tortilla strips add a fun crunch, while fresh parsley makes the dish look nice and bright. For the full recipe, check the instructions above and get ready for a flavor-packed delight! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Gather all your ingredients in one place for easy access. This makes cooking smooth and fun. You won't have to rush around searching for things. - In a large mixing bowl, combine: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup cream of chicken soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) - 1/2 cup frozen peas - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt Stir until all ingredients are well mixed. Every bite should burst with flavor! - Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly. - Add 1/2 cup crispy tortilla strips on top for a crunchy finish. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness. The casserole should be hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Enjoy this flavor-packed delight straight from the oven! For a full recipe, see the section above. Cooking Tips for Best Results To get the best flavor, cook the chicken fully. Shred it well for even bites. I like to mix different cheeses, as it adds depth to the dish. Try cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy twist. Presentation Tips Serve the casserole hot right from the dish. This makes it easy and fun. Add a side of ranch dressing for drizzling. It brings out the ranch flavor even more. Don't forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a nice pop of color and taste. Timing Tips Always check for doneness. The casserole should be hot and bubbly. If it is, you know it’s ready to serve. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can easily change up your Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. For a quick meal, use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and still tastes great. You can also swap in turkey if you prefer. If you want a lighter dish, replace ranch dressing with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess without the extra calories. Need to make it gluten-free? Just choose gluten-free pasta and dressing. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based chicken alternatives. They work well and keep the dish filling. Want to spice things up? Add jalapeños for heat or bell peppers for a crunchy bite. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or spinach. These ingredients boost the flavor and add nutrients. With these simple swaps, your casserole stays fresh and exciting. To store your leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tight to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for about three to four days. This way, you can enjoy the rich flavors again soon. If you want to freeze the casserole, you can do it before or after baking. For freezing before baking, assemble the casserole in a safe dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. For freezing after baking, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it well and place it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat. For reheating, the oven is the best choice. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole until hot. This method warms it evenly and keeps it nice. If you are in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Both options work well, but the oven gives the best results. Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is quick and easy. You'll need about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In total, it takes around 45 minutes from start to finish. This includes gathering your ingredients and baking the casserole until it's hot and bubbly. Yes, you can prepare this casserole in advance. Mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This casserole is rich and filling, so you can keep sides simple. Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Garlic bread or crusty rolls - Roasted vegetables for a healthy touch These sides balance the main dish and add nice colors to your plate. You can make this casserole dairy-free with a few swaps. Use dairy-free ranch dressing and a dairy-free cream soup. For cheese, try a plant-based cheese option. These changes keep the flavors bright while ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal. Absolutely! You can change the flavor to suit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Add spices like paprika or cayenne for heat - Mix in diced bell peppers for crunch - Include mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies - Swap the ranch dressing for a spicy dressing for a kick These small changes create new flavors and keep dinner exciting. For the full recipe, check out the complete details. In this post, I shared how to make a tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. We covered the essential ingredients like cooked chicken and ranch dressing. I explained step-by-step how to mix and bake the dish. I offered tips for the best taste and fun variations to try. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Feel free to make it your own! Enjoy your meal and share it with friends. It’s a dish everyone will love.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Discover the perfect weeknight meal with this creamy chicken ranch casserole recipe! Made with tender chicken, rich ranch dressing, and gooey cheddar cheese, this hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare. In just 45 minutes, enjoy a comforting casserole that’s topped with crispy tortilla strips and served warm. Click to explore the full recipe and make dinner a deliciously easy affair!
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup ranch dressing
1 cup cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup crispy tortilla strips (for topping)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, cream of chicken soup, cheese, cooked pasta, frozen peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
      Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and evenly coated with the dressing and soup.
        Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
          Sprinkle the crispy tortilla strips over the top of the casserole for added crunch.
            Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
              Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
                Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 6 servings
                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole directly from the dish, with a side of additional ranch dressing for drizzling, and a simple green salad to complement the rich flavors.