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Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Rice Bake

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A comforting, family-friendly casserole featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy ranch sauce, and a gooey cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this bake is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley or chives)
  • Optional: Hot sauce, a few dashes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. Cut chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, ranch seasoning mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
  4. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh, diced small).
  5. Add cubed chicken to the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  6. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup) and all of the mozzarella cheese. Reserve remaining cheddar for topping.
  7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Sprinkle reserved cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Drizzle melted butter over the cheese.
  10. Cover dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, rice is tender, and chicken is cooked through.
  12. Let bake sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or crumbled bacon if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use homemade white sauce thickened with cornstarch and gluten-free ranch mix. For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt and plant-based cheese. Brown rice can be used but increase baking time to 50-60 minutes. Rotisserie chicken works—reduce bake time by 5 minutes. Always shred your own cheese for best melt. Let bake rest before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ranch chicken, chicken rice casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy bake, kid friendly, make ahead, potluck, creamy chicken bake

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/cheesy-ranch-chicken-and-rice-bake-recipe-easy-family-comfort-meal/