Welcome to your new go-to weeknight dinner! This Chicken Bacon Ranch Rice Casserole is a culinary hug in a dish, combining all the flavors you love into one simple, satisfying meal. Imagine tender cubes of chicken and crispy bits of bacon mingled with fluffy jasmine rice, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce infused with savory ranch seasoning and melted sharp cheddar. It’s hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from even the pickiest eaters.

What makes this casserole truly special is its incredible ease. It’s a true one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing for meal prep, or simply craving something deeply flavorful and easy to make, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Let’s dive into how to create this irresistible dish that’s bound to become a regular in your rotation.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful casserole. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh components that come together beautifully to create a symphony of flavors. We’ve also included some notes on substitutions and tips for selecting the best quality items.

• 7 strips bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice, rinsed
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 2 ½ tbs ranch seasoning
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions:

• Bacon: Use a good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. The rendered fat will be used to cook the chicken and onions, adding depth to the entire dish. If you prefer, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified, but chicken thighs can also be used for an even juicier result. Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
• White Onion: Adds a foundational aromatic flavor. Yellow onion or even a sweet onion can be used if white is unavailable.
• Jasmine Rice: Rinsing the jasmine rice before cooking is crucial to remove excess starch, which helps prevent it from becoming sticky and ensures a fluffy texture in the casserole. Basmati rice is a good substitute if you don’t have jasmine. For a heartier alternative, brown rice can be used, but note that cooking times and liquid amounts will need to be adjusted (typically more liquid and longer cooking time).
• Chicken Broth: Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to better control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially since bacon and ranch seasoning already contribute significant sodium. Vegetable broth can be a substitute for dietary preferences.
• Ranch Seasoning: This is the star of the flavor profile! You can use a store-bought packet or make your own homemade ranch seasoning blend. Adjust the amount to your taste; some prefer a stronger ranch flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts much better and has a superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Other great cheese options include Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Rice Casserole to life. Each stage is designed for maximum flavor and ease, ensuring a perfect result every time.

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large sauté pan or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until they are wonderfully crispy and all the fat has rendered. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Crucially, leave the delicious bacon drippings in the pan – this fat will be the foundation for the next steps and infuse the dish with incredible flavor.

2. Brown Chicken and Sauté Onion: To the same pan with the bacon drippings, add the diced white onion and cubed chicken breast. Season generously with ½ teaspoon of pepper and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir well to coat the chicken and onions evenly. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Browning the chicken adds a rich depth of flavor and helps seal in juices.

3. Simmer the Rice: Now, add the rinsed jasmine rice, 2 ½ cups of chicken broth, and 2 ½ tablespoons of ranch seasoning to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the rice is submerged and the seasoning is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly with a lid, and let it cook for 18-22 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom and ensure even cooking. The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.

4. Combine and Serve: Once the rice is tender, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the crispy cooked bacon pieces that you set aside earlier, along with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir vigorously until the cheese is completely melted and beautifully incorporated, creating a rich, creamy texture throughout the casserole. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately and enjoy the heartwarming flavors!

Tips and Variations for Your Casserole

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Rice Casserole is fantastic as is, but it’s also highly adaptable! Here are some ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and color by stirring in some frozen peas, corn, or chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes of rice cooking. You could also sauté mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions.
• Spice It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic powder, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
• Cheese Please! Experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would also work wonderfully, adding different melting properties and flavor nuances.
• Herbaceous Touch: Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
• Creamier Texture: For an even creamier casserole, you can stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the very end when melting the cheddar.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth and ranch seasoning are certified gluten-free, and this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side to round out your dinner:

• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping!

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if it seems too dry. Alternatively, reheat larger portions in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until hot.

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.