Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Cheddar and Parmesan
A rich, creamy casserole combining tender shredded chicken and crispy bacon in a seasoned ranch sauce, topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. This hearty dish delivers bold flavors and satisfying comfort food appeal, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. The combination of garlic, onion, and dill adds depth to the classic ranch flavor profile, while the dual cheese topping creates an irresistibly golden, bubbly finish.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup ranch dressing, keto-friendly
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F
- 2
Combine heavy cream, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until well mixed
- 3
Add cooked shredded chicken and chopped bacon to the ranch mixture and mix until fully coated
- 4
Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed
- 5
Transfer mixture to greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly
- 6
Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top
- 7
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
- 8
Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving
Tips
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook chicken breasts in advance to save time
Check that your ranch dressing is truly keto-friendly by reading labels for hidden sugars
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days
Can be assembled 1 day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready
Serve hot directly from baking dish with a large spoon
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the resting time to avoid a watery casserole
Ensure bacon is fully cooked before adding to avoid undercooked pieces
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried dill?
Yes, use 1.5 teaspoons fresh dill instead of 1/2 teaspoon dried, adding it with the parsley garnish for best flavor.
What if I don't have a 9x13 baking dish?
Use any similar-sized casserole dish, adjusting cooking time if deeper or shallower than standard size.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored leftovers will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and reheat well in the microwave or oven.