Creamy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich ranch-infused sauce. It’s a simple one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
3. Step 3: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Season the chicken with salt and pepper if desired.
4. Step 4: Evenly spread the broccoli florets over the chicken breasts.
5. Step 5: Pour the creamy ranch mixture over the chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is well coated.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. If using, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
7. Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and golden.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the ranch mixture.
• Try swapping cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste.
• Using fresh broccoli is best, but frozen broccoli florets can be substituted if thawed and drained well.
• To keep it lower carb, skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds instead.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce but can be reheated easily if covered to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra moisture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold from the fridge.

Creamy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 87 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Creamy Ranch Chicken & Broccoli Bake featuring tender chicken breasts and fresh broccoli florets smothered in a rich ranch and cream cheese sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional crunchy breadcrumbs for a delightful twist on a classic casserole.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Veggies

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Dressing and Cheese

• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare creamy ranch sauce: In a large mixing bowl, blend together ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Arrange chicken: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and place the chicken breasts in a single layer. Season the chicken with additional salt and pepper if preferred.
4. Add broccoli: Evenly distribute the broccoli florets over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
5. Coat with ranch mixture: Pour the creamy ranch sauce over the chicken and broccoli, making sure everything is well coated with the mixture.
6. Add cheese and breadcrumbs: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top for extra crunch.
7. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

• For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Use fresh or frozen broccoli depending on availability; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture before adding.
• Can be served with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• To reduce calories, use reduced-fat cheese and ranch dressing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy ranch chicken casserole, broccoli chicken bake, ranch chicken bake, chicken and broccoli casserole, easy baked chicken recipe