Chicken Bacon Ranch Bake

Introduction

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and savory casserole dish that brings together some favorite flavors: tender chicken, smoky bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning. Made with rotisserie chicken for convenience, this recipe is both easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight family dinner. With added pasta, it’s a hearty meal that comes together in about 45 minutes.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, cubed
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (1-oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 8 oz. rotini pasta, cooked
• 4 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
• 4 oz. diced pimentos, drained
• 1/2 cup sliced green onion, plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
   • In a 12-inch skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring often until crispy, about 8 minutes.
   • Remove the bacon from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
   • Add the onion and garlic to the bacon drippings in the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until slightly softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Prepare the Creamy Base:
   • Whisk in the cream cheese, milk, ranch seasoning mix, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella into the skillet until smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, stir together the ranch mixture, cooked pasta, chopped chicken, pimentos, and 1/2 cup of the green onion until well combined.
   • Transfer this mixture to a 13×9-inch casserole dish.
   • Sprinkle evenly with the cooked bacon and top with the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
   • Let the casserole cool slightly, then top with additional sliced green onion just before serving.

Conclusion

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. It combines creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, tender chicken, pasta, crispy bacon, and lots of melted cheese. Serve it as a standalone meal or with a side salad for a complete dinner. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prepping. Enjoy this easy, hearty dish for any weeknight or casual gathering!