Loaded Cheddar Ranch Chicken Casserole
Looking for a delicious and comforting meal to make for dinner tonight? This Loaded Cheddar Ranch Chicken Casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add in the cooked pasta and mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Popular questions:
- Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- What can I serve with this casserole?
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Can I use whole wheat pasta?
- Can I add more veggies to this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon in this recipe. It will provide a slightly different flavor but still work well.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to change up the flavor profile of the casserole.
You can omit the chicken and bacon and add in more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to make this a vegetarian dish.
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
This casserole pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe for a lighter option.
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture to add some heat to the dish.
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta can be used in place of regular pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Yes, feel free to add in extra veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or peas to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
Helpful tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken.
- Top the casserole with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding in your favorite seasonings or herbs.
- Leftovers can be easily reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make a double batch and freeze one for a quick and easy meal later on.
- Drizzle extra ranch dressing on top before serving for added creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.
- Experiment with different types of pasta shapes for a fun twist on the classic casserole.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Expert Secrets:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less salt, pepper, or ranch dressing.
- Use a good quality sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor impact.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- Feel free to add in additional protein such as cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier meal.
- To make this dish more indulgent, top with an extra layer of shredded cheese before baking.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Experiment with different brands of ranch dressing to find your favorite for this recipe.
- Consider adding a splash of hot sauce or worcestershire sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
