Description
This Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken breasts with creamy ranch sauce and crispy bacon, creating a delicious comfort food that’s easy to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights while still being a satisfying family meal!
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 prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with this mixture.
- Place flour on a small plate and dredge each seasoned chicken breast in flour, covering all sides, and shaking off the excess.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter. Add the chicken breasts in batches if necessary, cooking for 4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. 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 30 seconds, then add the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. Add 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 the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon on top. Return to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, spooning extra sauce over each portion.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the onion mixture.
This dish can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with your preferred cheese variety if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 575
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg