Description
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, zesty ranch seasoning, and melted cheese, making it an easy and delightful dish for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 packet (1 ounce / 2 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 8 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly.
- Place flour in a plate or bowl and dredge each seasoned chicken breast, covering all sides, then shake off excess flour.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and cook the chicken breasts for 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the diced onion for 5 to 8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Mix in the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Incorporate ½ cup of the crumbled bacon, keeping the rest aside for topping later.
- Pour the ranch cheese sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon, and return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is fully cooked.
- Allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, spooning extra sauce over portions.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
You can substitute the heavy cream for a lighter version or use milk as an alternative.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg