Crunchy Ranch Chicken Casserole
Experience a delightful blend of comfort and crunch with our Crunchy Ranch Chicken Casserole. This hearty dish, inspired by the classic flavors of Hidden Valley, combines tender, sautéed chicken and crisp veggies, all enveloped in a creamy sauce made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Topped with a golden, crunchy mixture of panko breadcrumbs and sliced almonds, this casserole is sure to satisfy both hungry appetites and picky eaters alike. It's easy to make in just one mixing bowl, one skillet, and one baking dish, making preparation and cleanup a breeze! Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe also stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers. Treat your family to a comforting meal that’s as appealing to children as it is to adults.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix
1 (1 ounce) package (split use)
Salted Butter
5 tablespoons (split use)
Celery
3/4 cup (thinly sliced)
White Onion
3/4 cup (coarsely chopped)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
2 (cut into 3/4-inch cubes)
Canned Sliced Water Chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (drained and halved)
Greek Yogurt
1/2 cup (for creamy mixture)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (for creamy mixture)
Fresh Chives
1/2 cup (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
Dried Cranberries
1/3 cup (for added sweetness)
Cooked White Rice
1 cup (for base)
Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Panko Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (for topping)
Sliced Almonds
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat an 8" or 9" square baking dish with cooking spray.
2
Prepare the filling: Thinly slice the celery and coarsely chop the onion. In a 12" skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sauté the vegetables for 2 minutes until just softened. Remove from the skillet and transfer to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
3
In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cut the chicken breasts into 3/4-inch cubes, season with 1 tablespoon of the Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix, and sauté the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Add the cooked chicken to the mixing bowl with the sautéed vegetables.
4
Reserve 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix for later use. To the bowl with the chicken and vegetables, add the remaining seasoning mix along with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, cranberries, cooked white rice, and black pepper. Gently stir until everything is well combined.
5
Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Prepare the topping: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, sliced almonds, and the reserved 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix, tossing until everything is well coated.
7
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the chicken filling in the baking dish.
8
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm, and enjoy four generous servings of this comforting dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Ranch Chicken Casserole?
It is a hearty dish that combines tender sautéed chicken and vegetables in a creamy ranch sauce, topped with a crunchy panko and almond mixture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is recommended for this casserole?
An 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish is recommended.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly coat the baking dish with cooking spray before adding the filling.
Which vegetables are sautéed for the filling?
Thinly sliced celery and coarsely chopped white onions are sautéed in butter.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the celery and onions for about 2 minutes until they are just softened.
How is the chicken prepared for the casserole?
The chicken breasts should be cut into 3/4-inch cubes and seasoned with ranch dressing mix.
How long does it take to cook the chicken in the skillet?
The chicken cubes should be sautéed for 5-7 minutes until they are no longer pink in the center.
What kind of ranch seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for one 1-ounce package of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing Mix.
How is the ranch seasoning divided in the recipe?
One tablespoon is used for the chicken, one teaspoon is reserved for the topping, and the rest is added to the filling mixture.
What makes the casserole sauce creamy?
A mixture of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the sauce.
What type of rice is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of cooked white rice.
Are there any sweet ingredients in the dish?
Yes, 1/3 cup of dried cranberries is added for a touch of sweetness.
What type of nuts are used in the topping?
The topping features 1/2 cup of sliced almonds.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used for the crunch?
The recipe specifically uses 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
How do I make the crunchy topping?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and stir in panko, sliced almonds, and the reserved ranch seasoning.
Does this recipe contain water chestnuts?
Yes, it includes one 8-ounce can of sliced water chestnuts, drained and halved.
What fresh herbs are added?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of fresh chives cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes four generous servings.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores beautifully and is great for enjoying as leftovers.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 5 tablespoons of salted butter.
What oil is used for sautéing the chicken?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking the chicken cubes.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, the comforting ranch flavor and crunchy topping make it appealing to both children and adults.
How many kitchen tools are needed for preparation?
Preparation and cleanup are easy using just one mixing bowl, one skillet, and one baking dish.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe provides four generous servings, though specific serving size weights are not listed.
How do I ensure the topping is well coated?
Toss the panko, almonds, and seasoning in melted butter until everything is evenly combined.
Do I need to cook the rice beforehand?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 cup of already cooked white rice.
What is the texture of the finished casserole?
It offers a delightful blend of a creamy interior and a golden, crunchy topping.
Can I substitute the white onion?
The recipe calls for white onion, but other mild onions could be used if necessary.