🎒 Why Every Busy Parent Needs This Chicken Casserole
Looking for an easy back-to-school chicken recipe that kids will actually eat? This Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole takes under 30 minutes, packs in all the viral flavors—bacon, cheese, and ranch—and stays delicious for days.
You don’t need to be a meal prep wizard or a Pinterest mom. Just grab a rotisserie chicken, toss everything in one pan, and boom—five days of lunch are DONE.
> True story: I once packed this for my picky middle-schooler. He traded it for Oreos the first day. But by day three? He was trading Oreos to get more casserole. That’s what we call mom magic.
🍴 What You’ll Love About This Recipe:
✅ Meal Prep Ready: Makes 5–6 lunch portions.
✅ Picky-Eater Approved: Ranch + cheese = no complaints.
✅ Freezer Friendly: Store extras for emergencies.
✅ Only One Pan: No sink full of dishes.
Author: Roxanne
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 5–6 meal prep servings
Category: Meal Prep, Lunchbox, Back to School
Cuisine: American
Method: Bake
Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (The Back-to-School Meal Prep Hero)
Course: 30-Minute Meals, International Flavors, Kid-Friendly, Meal Prep u0026amp; Freezer-Friendly, One-Pan Meals, Quick LunchesIngredients
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works best)
10 oz penne or rotini pasta (about 3 cups dry)
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (or ⅓ cup bacon bits)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese (or ½ cup sour cream)
½ cup milk
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
½ tsp garlic powder
1 ½ cups cooked broccoli florets (optional veggie boost)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional:
Chopped green onion or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Make It Creamy
- In the same pot (less dishes!), melt the cream cheese over low heat with the milk and ranch seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the Chicken & Broccoli
- Mix in the shredded chicken, cooked broccoli (if using), garlic powder, and half the bacon. Stir until combined.
- Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and half the cheese. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Bake It Up
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
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🧊 Meal Prep Instructions
- Let casserole cool completely.
- Portion into 5–6 airtight containers.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat in microwave for 2 minutes (add a splash of milk for extra creaminess).
🔄 Variations & Swaps
- No Bacon? Use turkey bacon or veggie crumbles.
- Gluten-Free? Swap pasta for gluten-free noodles.
- No Ranch Mix? Use 1 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dill, and salt to taste.
- Want More Veggies? Stir in chopped spinach or peas.
💬 Reader Reviews
- > ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made this for my three kids and they begged for seconds. It’s going in our permanent lunch rotation!” – Kayla M.
- > ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is so easy to meal prep on Sundays. My husband took it to work and now his coworkers are asking for the recipe!” – Jessica W.
- > ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I froze individual portions and they reheated perfectly. Total mom win!” – Allison R.
❓ FAQs
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?Yes! Assemble it the night before and bake when ready, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Is this kid-friendly?Absolutely. The flavors are mild and creamy. Bacon + ranch is basically kid bait.
- What’s the best way to reheat?Microwave with a splash of milk for 2–2.5 minutes. Or reheat in oven at 350°F covered with foil.
- Can I use leftover grilled chicken?Yes. Any cooked chicken works—grilled, roasted, shredded.
🧠 Must Try Before You Go.
Planning lunchboxes for picky eaters? Don’t miss this:Easy Pizza Quesadilla Bites – 5-Minute School Lunch Hack
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