The Ultimate Weeknight Wonder: Cheesy Chicken Ranch Casserole
Craving a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters? Look no further! This Cheesy Chicken Ranch Casserole is your new weeknight hero. In just 20 minutes of prep, you can have this hunger-slaying meal ready for the oven. We’re talking tender chicken and crisp-tender veggies smothered in a creamy, two-ingredient homemade ranch and buried under a glorious snowstorm of melted Cheddar. It’s a family-friendly favorite that makes getting a delicious, low-carb dinner on the table an absolute breeze.
Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon / 7 g ranch seasoning
• 1 cup / 230 g full-fat sour cream
• 1 small / 400 g cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 medium / 300 g broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons / 30 g ghee or other healthy cooking fat
• 1.3 pounds / 600 g boneless and skinless chicken thighs, sliced
• 1 medium / 120 g green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium / 120 g red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 large / 128 g celery stalks, sliced
• 2 cups / 226 g shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 medium / 30 g spring onions, sliced
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning with the sour cream to create the dressing. Set aside.
2. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and broccoli florets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until crisp-tender. Drain well and set aside.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C. In a large, oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, heat the ghee over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until browned on all sides.
4. Add the sliced green pepper, red pepper, and celery to the skillet. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the drained broccoli and cauliflower.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour in the prepared ranch dressing and add most of the shredded Cheddar cheese, reserving a handful for the topping. Use a spatula to mix until everything is well combined and coated.
6. Smooth the top of the casserole and sprinkle with the reserved Cheddar cheese. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sliced spring onions. To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving
• Total Carbs: 12.2 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Net Carbs: 8.2 g
• Protein: 32.9 g
• Fat: 29.7 g
• Energy: 443 kcal
• Macronutrient Ratio: 8% Carbs, 30% Protein, 62% Fat
Pro Tips
• For The Perfect Casserole
• To save time, use a bag of pre-chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets, or substitute the chicken thighs with shredded rotisserie chicken.
• For an extra crispy topping, switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure it gets a nice, golden-brown sear for maximum flavor.
• Feel free to customize your veggies! Sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus would all be delicious additions to this versatile casserole.
FAQ
Q: Is this chicken ranch casserole keto-friendly
A: Yes, with only 8.2 grams of net carbs per serving, this Cheesy Chicken Ranch Casserole is a fantastic option for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Q: Can I use a different kind of chicken for this recipe
A: Absolutely. While the recipe calls for chicken thighs, you can easily substitute shredded rotisserie chicken to save time or use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.
Q: How do I get an extra crispy topping on my casserole
A: For an extra crispy, golden-brown cheese topping, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Be sure to watch it closely to prevent it from burning.
Q: How should I store and reheat leftovers
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a warm oven until heated through.
