Description
Hey friend! Picture this: tender chicken, roasted potatoes, fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, all wrapped in creamy ranch and topped with gooey, melty cheese. This casserole is comfort food at its finest—perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Protein & Veggies:
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2 lbs chicken breast, diced (or thighs for juicier meat; rotisserie chicken works too)
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3 cups roasted potatoes, cubed (Yukon Gold or red)
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2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
Flavor Boosters:
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4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (save a little for garnish)
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½ cup ranch dressing
Cheese Layer:
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Optional Topping:
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1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of oil.
2. Toss Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, roasted potatoes, broccoli, and most of the crumbled bacon. Pour in ranch dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Spread the mixture into an even layer for uniform cooking.
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly over the top. Cover every bit for that golden, bubbly finish.
5. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted, edges are bubbly, and chicken is cooked through.
6. Add Topping (Optional):
Sprinkle fried onions over the top and bake an additional 3–5 minutes to warm them through.
7. Rest & Serve:
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as is or pair with a bright side salad or crusty garlic bread.
Notes
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Buffalo Style: Swap ranch for buffalo sauce and use blue cheese with cheddar.
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Italian Twist: Use Italian dressing; cheeses: mozzarella + Parmesan. Add red pepper flakes.
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Lighter Version: Greek yogurt ranch, low-fat cheese, extra broccoli, or sweet potatoes.
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Southwestern Flair: Add black beans, corn, diced jalapeño, and top with crushed tortilla chips.
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Protein Swap: Diced ham or browned ground beef works in place of chicken.