Description
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole features juicy chicken breasts coated in ranch seasoning and a creamy cheese sauce, making it a delightful meal after a busy day. Perfect for family dinners, this dish combines amazing flavors with an easy preparation process.
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.
- Mix the paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in.
- Place flour on a small plate or in a bowl.
- Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in flour, coating all sides before shaking off the excess.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, cooking for about 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Move the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 to 8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and creamy.
- Mix in about ½ cup of the cooked bacon, reserving the remaining bacon for topping.
- Pour the ranch cheese sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, spooning extra sauce over each portion.
Notes
You can use homemade ranch seasoning for a fresher flavor.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
For a lighter version, substitute chicken with turkey breast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 150mg