Description
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich ranch cheese sauce, making it a delightful comfort food option. This easy recipe combines flavorful spices, creamy sauces, and melted cheese, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.
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 paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Coat each seasoned chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess, and set aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 4 minutes per side until they are golden, then transfer them to the 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.
- Add the ranch seasoning to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream; whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined, then add ½ cup of crumbled bacon, reserving the rest for topping later.
- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, spooning extra sauce over each portion.
Notes
For added flavor, use homemade ranch seasoning instead of the packet.
If you like a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
