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–+ servings
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Comfort Food

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and gooey cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use fresh minced garlic for the best taste.
  • ¼ cup Flour Ensure to whisk thoroughly to cook out raw taste.
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream Substitute with milk or half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • ½ cup Chipotle Lime Ranch Dressing Any ranch dressing can be used; homemade is an option.
  • Salt and Pepper Adjust seasoning to taste.
For the Casserole
  • 3 cups Cooked and Shredded Chicken Can use leftover chicken or turkey for convenience.
  • 8 ounces Small Shells Pasta Other short pasta like penne or farfalle can be used instead.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Use any preferred melty cheese.
  • ½ cup Cheddar Cheese Feel free to mix up cheese varieties for different flavors.
  • 6 strips Cooked Bacon Turkey bacon is an alternative.
  • Parsley Other fresh herbs (like chives or basil) can complement the flavors nicely.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • 9x13 inch casserole dish
  • small pot

Method
 

Instructions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a small pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in flour, stirring constantly for 30-60 seconds.
  4. Slowly pour in heavy cream while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer gently until thickened.
  5. Cook small shells pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  6. In the greased casserole dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, then half of the shredded chicken, half of the creamy sauce, and top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
  7. Repeat layering process with the remaining ingredients and sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon on top.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, continuously whisk the sauce while adding cream and ensure to cool pasta thoroughly before assembling the casserole.

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