Description
This Creamy Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty weeknight meal. Tender chicken combined with a creamy ranch sauce, mixed vegetables, and topped with melted cheese creates a deliciously satisfying casserole that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn), thawed
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
Casserole Sauce
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Mix chicken and vegetables: Add the cooked chicken, thawed mixed vegetables, and chopped onion to the sauce mixture. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, add the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken if short on time.
- Use fresh vegetables if preferred, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
- For a lower-fat version, use low-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Adding a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs like parsley on top before serving can enhance flavor and presentation.
- If you like a crunchy topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of crackers.
