Description
This Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food with its gooey cheese, tender chicken, and zesty ranch flavor. It’s a simple dish that’s great for a quick dinner and sure to please the whole family.
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 all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning (1 ounce / 2 tablespoons)
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.75 ounces)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups 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, mix the paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sprinkle it over both sides of the chicken breasts, rubbing it in well.
- Place the flour on a small plate.
- Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in flour, ensuring all sides are coated, then shake off the excess flour.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken breasts (in batches if needed) and cook for 4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer 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 an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream, whisking until smooth.
- Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.
- Stir in about ½ cup of the cooked bacon, reserving the rest for later topping.
- Pour the ranch cheese sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the rest of the bacon.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, spooning extra sauce over each portion.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in ranch seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 704
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 180mg