Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
319 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Description
The casserole combines seasoned chicken breast pieces with uncooked short-grain white rice, chopped onion, and garlic. Half of the cooked bacon and ranch seasoning are mixed into the base along with chicken broth and half and half, which adds creaminess. The mixture is baked covered at 350℉ to cook the rice through without drying out. After 30 minutes, it’s topped with remaining bacon and cheddar cheese, then baked uncovered to melt the cheese and create a slight crust.
The dish balances tender rice, moist chicken, sharp cheddar, and smoky bacon. The ranch seasoning provides herbaceous notes complementing the savory profile. Short-grain rice contributes a stickier texture ideal for casseroles, while half and half enriches the sauce without heaviness. Fresh parsley adds a bright finish when sprinkled on top.
Variations can be made using heavy cream instead of half and half for a richer dish or substituting boneless skinless chicken thighs for breast if preferred. Brown rice can be used but will require longer cooking. This hearty casserole is self-contained and satisfying, making it a practical weeknight option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless and skinless, cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoon Ranch dressing mix (1 packet or 1 oz)
- 1 ½ cups white rice uncooked, I used a short grain rice
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 lices Bacon fried and chopped
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth low sodium or no sodium added
- ½ cup half and half *
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉.
- In a medium size bowl toss the chicken together with the olive oil and 2 tbsp of the ranch seasoning mix; set aside.
- In a 9x13-inch casserole dish combine the rice, onion, garlic, half of the bacon, chicken broth, half and half and the remaining tbsp of ranch seasoning mix. Add the chicken and stir everything together.
- Top with remaining bacon and cheddar cheese. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Half and half adds creaminess with 12% fat; heavy cream can be substituted for a richer casserole.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs may replace breast meat for a moister texture.
- Short-grain rice provides a stickier texture suited for casseroles; long-grain or brown rice can be used but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 319 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 319kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 17g | 34% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 57mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 559mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 277mg | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 240IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1.2mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 159mg | 16% |
| Iron | 0.6mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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