Chicken Ranch Casserole is warm, cheesy, and easy. It uses simple food: chicken, cheese, cream cheese, and Hidden Valley Ranch powder. You can make it fast for a weeknight dinner or for company.
Why make this recipe
This dish cooks fast. It needs few parts and little work. Kids like the cheese and ranch taste. You can change it up with what you have in the fridge.
How to prepare Chicken Ranch Casserole
Preheat the oven and mix the main parts. Spread the mix in a dish, top with cheese, and bake until it is bubbly. The steps below show the full way to make it.
Ingredients:
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Hidden Valley Ranch powder
You can add a bit of salt and pepper if you like.
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Hidden Valley Ranch powder until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
How to serve Chicken Ranch Casserole
Serve hot right from the oven. It goes well with a green salad, steamed veggies, or simple bread. Make small scoops for a plate or big scoops for family style.
How to store Chicken Ranch Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature. Put in an airtight container or cover the dish with foil. Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or use the microwave for single servings.
Tips to make Chicken Ranch Casserole perfectly
- Use warm, soft cream cheese so it mixes easily.
- Shred the chicken small for even bites.
- Don’t overbake — remove when cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If the top browns too fast, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Variations (if possible)
- Add cooked bacon or green onions on top.
- Mix in frozen peas or corn for more veg.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- For a pasta twist, try a similar flavor in a chicken bacon ranch pasta.
FAQ
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Do I need to cook the chicken first?
A: Yes. Use cooked, shredded chicken. You can bake, boil, or use leftover chicken.
Q: Can I use a different ranch mix?
A: Yes. Any ranch powder will work, but Hidden Valley gives the classic ranch taste.
Chicken Ranch Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm, cheesy casserole with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Hidden Valley Ranch powder, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works well)
- 8oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Hidden Valley Ranch powder until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
Notes
For best mixing, use warm, soft cream cheese. Shred the chicken small for even bites. Don’t overbake — remove when cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American