Description
Experience the deliciousness of Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole! This dish features tender chicken breasts, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon. Perfect for quick dinners or a cozy meal at home.
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 (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Place flour on a small plate. Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in flour, coating all sides, then shake off the excess and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning and cook for 30 seconds before adding the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Mix in about ½ cup of crumbled bacon, reserving the rest for topping.
- Pour the ranch cheese sauce evenly over the chicken in the baking dish and 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 the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve with extra sauce spooned over each portion.
Notes
For a crispy topping, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes after baking.
Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for additional nutrition.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 562
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1185mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 146mg