Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole
If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish that the whole family will love, then this Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole is just what you need! This recipe combines the classic flavors of mac and cheese with tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and a zesty ranch twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s an easy-to-make meal that warms your heart and fills your belly. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table!
Every bite of this casserole is packed with creamy goodness and lots of flavor, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour!
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the cheesy goodness combined with the savory flavors of ranch and turkey bacon.
- Make-ahead option: You can easily prepare this casserole in advance. Just assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when you’re ready to eat!
- Customizable ingredients: You can swap out proteins or cheeses based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
- Comforting flavors: The rich combination of creamy cheeses and savory spices makes every bite satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each component adds its own unique flavor to make this Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole truly special.
For the Casserole
- 10 slices Turkey Bacon, diced
- 3 cups shredded chicken (see recipe notes for substitutions)
- 1 oz package dried ranch dressing seasoning
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb. dry large elbow pasta
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of shredded chicken for a different texture.
- Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack for a bit of spice or gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Veggie boost: Add in some steamed broccoli or spinach to sneak in some extra veggies.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the elbow pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free twist.
How to Make Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta until it’s just shy of al dente. This step is important because you’ll finish cooking it in the oven later on. Drain the pasta and stir in a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 3-quart baking dish. This will help prevent sticking when you bake your casserole later.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Bacon
In a large skillet or dutch oven, cook the diced turkey bacon over medium-low heat until it’s crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet; this adds extra flavor!
Step 4: Add Chicken & Seasoning
Increase the heat to medium and add your shredded chicken along with ranch seasoning. Stir everything together so that each piece of chicken gets coated with that delicious ranch flavor! Cook for about 2-3 minutes before transferring it to another plate.
Step 5: Create Your Cheese Sauce
Now it’s time to make that creamy sauce! In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant—this only takes about 30 seconds. Next, whisk together flour with melted butter until smooth before slowly adding heavy cream and half-and-half while whisking vigorously. Keep cooking this mixture until it thickens up nicely—about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Stir in all of that delicious Parmesan cheese along with half of both mozzarella and cheddar. Once melted completely, fold in cooked pasta, chicken, and half of those crispy turkey bacon pieces.
Step 7: Bake It Up!
Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish. Top off with remaining mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and turkey bacon bits. Pop it into your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
And there you have it—a scrumptious Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole ready to be enjoyed! Serve hot with some fresh salad on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole
Creating the perfect Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole is a delightful journey, and with these pro tips, you’ll be on your way to impressing your family and friends!
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Cook pasta al dente: This ensures that the pasta retains some bite after baking, preventing it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
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Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melt quality. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully, giving you that creamy texture we all love.
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Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve and enhancing flavors.
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Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheeses. Gouda or pepper jack can add a unique twist to the flavor profile while keeping things exciting!
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Add veggies for extra nutrition: Consider adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas into the mix. They not only boost nutrition but also add lovely color and texture to your dish.
How to Serve Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole
This delicious casserole is a hit at any gathering, and presenting it well can make a big difference! Here are some ideas for serving this comforting dish:
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the casserole.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley provides a refreshing contrast and brightens the overall appearance of your dish.
Side Dishes
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Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any cheesy goodness left on your plate, making every bite enjoyable.
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Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens topped with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the mac and cheese, providing a refreshing crunch.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like zucchini or Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness while adding color and nutritional value to your meal.
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Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the cheesy casserole, making each bite an adventure.
With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, your Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole will shine as a star dish at your next family dinner or gathering! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole is a fantastic dish for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious comfort food throughout the week. With some simple storage tips, you can savor this creamy delight any day.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
- Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
- Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label with the date.
Reheating
- For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
- You can also microwave individual servings on medium power until warm.
FAQs
Have questions? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding this delicious recipe.
Can I use other types of cheese in Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy Pepper Jack for an extra kick. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
How can I make Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the Turkey Bacon and chicken. Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition!
What sides go well with Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole?
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. Some crusty bread also makes a great complement!
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug on a plate that brings family together. Enjoy every cheesy bite, and don’t forget to share your experience with others—happy cooking!
Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Turkey Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and crispy turkey bacon, this dish takes the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level with a zesty ranch twist. Perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights, this hearty casserole is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or swapping proteins to make it your own. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Ingredients
- 10 slices diced turkey bacon
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 oz dried ranch dressing seasoning
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb dry large elbow pasta
Instructions
- Cook elbow pasta in boiling water until just shy of al dente; drain and toss with olive oil.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish.
- Cook diced turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy; remove and set aside.
- Add shredded chicken and ranch seasoning to the skillet; cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat; sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in flour, then gradually add heavy cream and half-and-half until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, half of both mozzarella and cheddar until melted; then fold in cooked pasta, chicken, and half of the turkey bacon.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish; top with remaining cheeses and turkey bacon.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
