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Creating the perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole requires attention to detail and a few culinary techniques that will elevate your dish from good to great. Below, we’ll delve into each step of the preparation process to ensure your casserole is flavorful, well-cooked, and beautifully presented.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, a dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing in a cheesy, flavorful bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. With simple ingredients like pasta, cheese, and optional frozen peas for a pop of color, this meal is sure to delight everyone at your table. Enjoy the warm, inviting aromas and flavors that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (a rotisserie chicken is a great choice)

6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

1 cup ranch dressing

1 cup sour cream

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for a pop of color and sweetness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

    Prepare the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are nice and crispy. Once done, remove them from the pan, allow them to cool slightly, and crumble them into bite-sized pieces.

      Create the Sauce Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.

        Combine the Ingredients: To the ranch mixture, add in the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cooked pasta, and the optional frozen peas. Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, making sure everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.

          Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the entire chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the dish.

            Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole for that delicious cheesy crust.

              Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesy topping is melted and bubbly.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to set. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve this comforting casserole in individual portions on plates or in shallow bowls, garnished with extra parsley for a delightful color contrast. A simple side salad can enhance the meal further!