## Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole: Comfort Food at its Finest
Numerous people love comfort food, and one of the most beloved comfort food dishes is a casserole. There is just something about the warm, savory goodness that a casserole delivers that makes it irresistible. If you’re a fan of this type of dish, then hold on to your forks, because the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is sure to impress.
## Why Make This Recipe?
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a must-try for a multitude of reasons:
1. It’s incredibly hearty and filling, which makes it perfect for family meals or get-togethers with friends.
2. The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch gives it a unique, flavorsome twist.
3. It’s a breeze to prepare. With a total time of just 45 minutes, it’s a recipe you can quickly whip up even after a busy day.
4. You’ll only need some basic kitchen staples to cook this magnificent dish.
## How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
### Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 3 cups rotini pasta
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup cooked broccoli florets
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
### Directions:
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Then, cook your pasta according to its package directions, drain it and set it aside.
3. Proceed to mix the shredded chicken, bacon, pasta, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, broccoli, garlic powder, and onion powder all in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
5. Transfer the resultant mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake this dish for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
7. Allow it to cool before serving.
## How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole hot from the oven. You can garnish your casserole with chopped fresh parsley to boost its aesthetics and enhance its taste further. It pairs perfectly with a crispy, healthy salad or crusty bread.
## How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Store the casserole in the refrigerator, it is best to consume it within 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven again at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until hot.
## Tips To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
1. To ensure crisp bacon that adds texture to the dish, bake the bacon instead of frying.
2. Opt to use real shredded cheese rather than processed cheese. The former melts beautifully and imparts a much richer flavor.
3. Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy after it’s baked in the dish.
## Variations (if any)
You could swap out the chicken for turkey if desired. You could also introduce more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for an added nutrient boost and color.
## FAQs
1. **Can I use a different type of pasta?** Absolutely, you can use any type of pasta you have on hand.
2. **Can I make this recipe using uncooked chicken?** It’s best to use cooked chicken to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and evenly in the casserole.
3. **Can I freeze the Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole?** Yes, you can freeze the casserole, but it’s best to do so before baking it.
Enjoy digging into this delicious, hearty Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Perfect for those satisfying comfort food cravings!