Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe is a cheesy and creamy recipe, which is made with rotisserie chicken and a savory ranch sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ready in about 45 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe 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 to serve
How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Prep the oven and cook the bacon: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large, 12-inch skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat, stirring often, until crispy, about 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the bacon drippings in the skillet. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
- Make the ranch cheese sauce: Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet and whisk until it begins to melt. Gradually whisk in the milk and the ranch seasoning mix until the sauce is smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and continue to whisk until it’s completely melted. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the ranch cheese sauce, the cooked rotini pasta, the chopped rotisserie chicken, the drained pimentos, and 1/2 cup of the green onions. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a 13×9-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the crispy bacon evenly over the top, followed by the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake and serve: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes, then top with more sliced green onion just before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a smooth sauce: Using cubed, room-temperature cream cheese will help it melt quickly and smoothly into the sauce without lumps. Whisking constantly as you add the milk is also key.
- Time-saving shortcut: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is the ultimate shortcut for this recipe, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. You can fully assemble the casserole (without the final bacon and cheese topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the toppings and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
- What kind of pasta is best? Rotini is great because its spiral shape catches the creamy sauce. Other short pasta shapes like penne, cavatappi, or medium shells would also work perfectly.
What To Serve With Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
This is a very hearty, all-in-one meal. It pairs well with simple, fresh sides.
- A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette
- Sliced tomatoes
How To Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Refrigerate: Cover the casserole dish with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave. You can also reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 620kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of chicken?
Yes, any cooked, chopped chicken will work. This is a great recipe for using up leftover grilled or baked chicken breasts or thighs. You’ll need about 4 cups.
Why is my sauce thin?
The sauce will thicken significantly in the oven as it bakes. The starches from the pasta will also help to thicken it as it sits. Make sure you use a full 8-ounce block of cream cheese for the creamiest result.
Can I make my own ranch seasoning?
Absolutely. A common homemade ranch mix includes dried buttermilk powder, dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Salad With Grapes
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Pioneer Woman Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Recipe
Description
An easy and incredibly cheesy pasta bake loaded with chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, savory ranch sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp; remove bacon, leaving drippings.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the drippings.
- Whisk in the cream cheese, milk, ranch seasoning, and 1 cup of mozzarella until a smooth sauce forms.
- In a large bowl, combine the sauce with the cooked pasta, chicken, pimentos, and green onions.
- Transfer to a 13×9-inch casserole dish.
- Top with the crispy bacon and the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with more green onion before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing a rotisserie chicken makes this recipe incredibly fast and easy for a weeknight.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the smoothest sauce, use softened cream cheese and whisk it in well before adding the milk.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis casserole is perfect for making ahead; just assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t be afraid to customize with other vegetables like steamed broccoli.u003c/liu003e
