Main Course

Best Bacon Ranch Chicken Lasagna

  

That chilly March evening, my daughter and I returned from grocery shopping through a soggy drizzle. Her college friend had just landed and we needed something warm, satisfying, and easy to share.

As retired teacher turned food blogger, I knew comfort would come from layers of creamy cheese and tender chicken. I grabbed a rotisserie chicken, bacon in the fridge, and that familiar packet of ranch seasoning I’d used for decades.

We worked side by side in the kitchen, she broke noodles while I crumbled bacon, the aroma already tasting like home. The chicken mixed with ranch-spiced ricotta brought back memories of family dinners at my mother’s, quiet smiles as she served one scoop after another. Meanwhile, my daughter told stories about classes and campus life, and my kitchen felt alive again.

Once it went into the oven, our chatter quieted to the gentle hum of the timer and the scent of melting cheese. When I lifted the foil, that bubbly golden top stopped us both mid-step. We each had a slice before the other could reach it, bursting with ranch-flavored ricotta, tender chicken, and smoky bacon.

Short Description

Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Lasagna layered with ranch-spiced ricotta, tender shredded chicken, and bubbly cheese—perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Key Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot for noodles (if needed)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spatula
  • Aluminum foil

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.

Step 2: Cook Noodles
If using traditional noodles, cook in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Mix Cheese Filling
In a bowl, whisk ricotta, egg, ranch seasoning, and ½ cup Parmesan until creamy.

Step 4: Assemble Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce in the bottom of the dish. Lay down 3 noodles, half the ricotta mixture, 1 cup chicken, a sprinkle of bacon, and a handful of mozzarella. Drizzle Alfredo sauce. Repeat layers two more times, ending with noodles, sauce, and mozzarella on top.

Step 5: Bake
Cover lasagna with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest & Garnish
Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes so layers settle. Sprinkle with parsley and remaining bacon before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Ranch-spiced ricotta, tender chicken, smoky bacon, and melty cheese

Quick & Easy: Uses rotisserie chicken and store-bought Alfredo for convenience

Family Favorite: Crowd-pleasing comfort food that nourishes and satisfies

Versatile: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or easy entertaining

Balanced: Protein-packed, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dry noodles
Solution: Ensure enough sauce layers to fully coat noodles

Bacon sogginess
Solution: Add fresh bacon just before serving to keep it crisp

Cheese not bubbling
Solution: Bake uncovered until cheese is fully melted and just starting to brown

Lasagna falling apart when slicing
Solution: Let rest 10 minutes before cutting

Cheesy burn
Solution: Tent foil loosely if edges brown too fast during final bake

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Plate alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted asparagus

Offer garlic bread or warm dinner rolls on the side

Pour a glass of Chardonnay or light ale for pairing

Ideal for buffet tables—served family-style or sliced ahead

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate covered lasagna for up to 4 days

Reheat single portions at 350°F for 10–12 minutes

Microwave for 2 minutes on medium heat (cheese may soften)

Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw and bake covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes, remove foil last 10 minutes

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes. Substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles, and follow package instructions for cooking.

2. Can I skip the bacon?
Absolutely. The flavor remains rich from chicken and ranch, but bacon adds great texture and taste.

3. Is homemade Alfredo better?
Yes. It adds freshness and control over thickness—though jarred works fine for busy nights.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Sure. Layer in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers before topping mozzarella.

5. How far ahead can I assemble?
Assemble the night before, cover and refrigerate. Bake the next day, adding 5–10 minutes to bake time.

Tips & Tricks

Use fresh parsley for a bright finish

Crumble bacon fresh before serving to stay crisp

Let lasagna rest for cleaner slices

Try mixing shredded cheddar with mozzarella for extra richness

Stir Alfredo and meat juices together before layering for added flavor

Recipe Variations

Spicy Ranch: Add chopped jalapeños and pepper jack in the cheese layer

Pesto Ranch: Swirl basil pesto into the ricotta mix and drizzle on top

Chicken Bacon Ranch Mini Casseroles: Make in individual ramekins for personal servings

Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with sautéed zucchini and mushrooms, keep ranch-cheese combo

Final Thoughts

The lasagna’s creamy layers and smoky bacon brought comfort after a rainy day and laughter shared during assembly. My kitchen table, scattered with plates and memories, felt alive again with familiar flavors.

Recipes like this carry warmth through generations—an honest, satisfying dish that doesn’t need occasion to shine. I hope making this lasagna fills your home with as much togetherness and joy as it does mine.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Lasagna

Sandra Myers Best Bacon Ranch Chicken Lasagna Best Bacon Ranch Chicken Lasagna Print This
Nutrition facts: calories fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook Noodles
Boil noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make Cheese Filling
Mix ricotta, egg, ranch seasoning, and ½ cup Parmesan until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble
Spread a bit of Alfredo sauce in the dish. Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta mix, 1 cup chicken, bacon, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat twice. Top with noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake
Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 more until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let rest 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and extra bacon. Serve warm.

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