Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s a hearty baked dish that combines tender chicken, ranch seasoning, pasta or rice, and melty cheese all in one pan. When I’m craving something warm and filling, this casserole always does the trick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this casserole is to throw together, especially on busy weeknights. It uses simple ingredients, and everything bakes up into a bubbly, golden dish that’s full of bold ranch flavor. It’s kid-friendly, great for leftovers, and easily customizable with whatever I have on hand. Plus, it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)

• Pasta or cooked rice

• Cream cheese

• Sour cream

• Ranch seasoning mix

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Milk

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: green onions, or chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, I combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. I mix it until smooth and creamy.

3. I stir in the cooked chicken, pasta or rice, and about half of the shredded cheddar. I mix everything until it’s evenly coated.

4. I spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.

5. I top it with the remaining cheddar cheese and, if I’m using it.

6. I bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.

7. I let it rest for a few minutes before serving, then garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people and takes approximately 40 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for baking. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the pasta for cooked rice or even cauliflower rice if I want a low-carb version. I’ve also added steamed broccoli or peas for extra veggies. Pepper jack or mozzarella can replace cheddar for a different cheesy twist, and I occasionally mix in diced jalapeños for some heat.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual servings in the microwave or pop the whole casserole dish back into a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. If it’s frozen, I thaw it overnight in the fridge first before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I often use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. It makes the prep even easier and adds great flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. I assemble it ahead and freeze it unbaked, then thaw and bake when I’m ready. It also freezes well after baking.

What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?

If I’m out of ranch mix, I combine dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make a quick homemade version.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. When it’s time to bake, I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is it okay to use low-fat dairy?

Yes, I’ve used low-fat cream cheese and sour cream. The texture changes slightly, but it still tastes delicious.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole is one of those go-to recipes I rely on when I want something easy, comforting, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a cheesy top, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—and I love how I can make it my own with just a few tweaks.