Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works beautifully here)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 6 slices)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne work well)
- 1/2 cup diced green onions (optional, but adds a nice fresh bite)
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
If you’re looking for substitutions, feel free to swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. You can also replace mayonnaise with extra sour cream if you prefer. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for the topping. And if bacon isn’t your thing, smoked turkey bacon or even pancetta will keep that smoky depth intact.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning packet. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add the cooked chicken, cooked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked pasta, and diced green onions to the bowl. Mix everything gently until evenly coated with the ranch mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. I like to start with a little and adjust as I go, especially since bacon and ranch seasoning can be salty.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top. This adds a lovely crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy filling.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes it easier to serve.
From my experience, this recipe is great for batch cooking. I often double the ingredients and freeze half for busy nights when I want a no-fuss dinner waiting in the freezer. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International