Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: A Savory Delight
Indulge in the savory flavors of our Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, a tantalizing dish that marries tender chicken, crispy bacon, vibrant broccoli, and a rich blend of cheeses, all drenched in creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked to crispy perfection and chopped
- 5 cups of fresh broccoli florets, blanched to vibrant tenderness
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade keto ranch dressing)
- 3 tablespoons of ranch dressing mix (optional, for an extra kick of ranch flavor)
Instructions:
- Preparation: Begin by cooking the bacon until it reaches a crisp texture, either by frying or baking it in the oven. While the bacon cooks, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are bright and tender. Once the bacon is done, crumble it into small pieces.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pan-sear them over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown. Alternatively, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken breast for added convenience.
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole baking dish, ensuring effortless cleanup afterward.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, bacon bits, blanched broccoli, ranch dressing, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Toss the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed. For an extra burst of ranch flavor, incorporate about 3 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix into the mixture.
- Transfer and Top: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top, ensuring a mouthwatering golden finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole achieves a delightful golden brown hue.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked to perfection, garnish your Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with fresh parsley and additional bacon bits for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible blend of textures and flavors.
Additional Tips:
- For added convenience, prepare the components of the casserole in advance, storing them separately until ready to assemble and bake.
- Customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by incorporating additional vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
- Opt for low-fat or turkey bacon as a healthier alternative, without compromising on the delicious flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to create your unique twist on this classic dish, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Pepper Jack.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days, reheating them in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Elevate your dinner table with our mouthwatering Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Whether served as a comforting weeknight meal or showcased at your next gathering, this irresistible dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Embrace the joy of cooking with this simple yet sensational recipe that celebrates the timeless appeal of home-cooked goodness.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless
8 slices bacon cooked and chopped
5 cups broccoli florets
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
1 cup ranch dressing or homemade keto ranch dressing
3 tbsp ranch dressing mix optional
Instructions
Cook Bacon and Steam Broccoli- Fry or bake the bacon in the oven until crispy. Meanwhile, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Prepare the chicken- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and pan-sear for 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat. You can also use leftover shredded rotisserie chicken breast.
Preheat the oven to 375 F degrees/ 190 C Celsius and grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole baking dish.
Assemble – Combine cooked chicken, bacon bits, broccoli, ranch dressing, 1 cup cheddar cheese, and mozzarella in a large bowl. Toss together until well incorporated. Mix in about 3 tablespoons of ranch seasoning for extra ranch flavor.
Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.
Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheese is melty and the chicken casserole looks golden brown on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and bacon bits.