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Creamy Ranch Chicken & Veggie Casserole - Comforting, Easy, and Family-Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
  • 3 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli florets, sliced carrots, peas, and corn; fresh or frozen)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
  • 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce), or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping if you like
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for warmth)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1 cup crunchy topping (crushed butter crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crispy fried onions)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for the topping)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
  • Salt, to taste (the ranch mix and soup are salty; taste first)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Soften the veggies: Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. If using frozen, cook 3–5 minutes until just thawed and bright. If using fresh, cook until crisp-tender. Remove from heat.
  4. Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Combine: Fold the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and 1 cup shredded cheddar into the sauce. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  6. Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
  7. Top it: In a small bowl, combine your crunchy topping with the melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Add an extra handful of cheese on top if you like a gooey finish.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake 25–30 minutes, until bubbling at the edges and golden on top.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let it rest 5–10 minutes to set. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives before serving.