When preparing Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Casserole, start by gathering your ingredients:
2 cups of shredded chicken, 8 ounces of cooked pasta, 1 packet of ranch seasoning, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of crispy bacon bits.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine everything with a creamy base of cream of chicken soup and sour cream, then transfer to a baking dish.
The anticipation of that golden, bubbling crust will surely entice…
Kitchen Tools Required
When preparing the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Casserole, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to guarantee a smooth cooking process.
Start with a baking dish, approximately 9×13 inches, for even heat distribution.
A large mixing bowl will be necessary to combine ingredients thoroughly.
Use a whisk to make sure the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix integrates well with the wet ingredients, preventing clumps.
A sturdy spoon is essential for folding in cooked pasta, bacon bits, and peas without breaking them.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for consistent baking results. To prevent sticking, have olive oil ready to grease the baking dish.
With these tools, you’ll be well-equipped to execute this flavorful casserole with precision and ease.
Recipe
Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
With a delightful combination of creamy ingredients, tender chicken, and savory ranch seasoning, this casserole brings together the familiar tastes of home-cooked meals.
The addition of cheddar cheese and bacon bits elevates the dish, making it a favorite among cheese and bacon lovers.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a hearty meal, this casserole is sure to satisfy.
The preparation for this dish is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels.
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
The use of a single baking dish means fewer dishes to wash, adding to the convenience.
This recipe yields six servings, making it perfect for a family dinner or for enjoying leftovers the next day.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
To prepare the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ranch seasoning, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and milk, stirring until well mixed.
Add the cooked pasta, bacon bits, and thawed peas, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Grease a baking dish with olive oil, then pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
For a crispy topping, consider adding crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking, which will add a delightful texture contrast.
You can also customize this dish by incorporating different vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for added nutrition.
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and if you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
These small tweaks can make the dish uniquely yours and cater to your family’s favorite flavors.
Cook & Prep Time
Preparing the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Casserole is a straightforward culinary task that requires 15 minutes of prep time.
During this phase, you’ll assemble all ingredients meticulously.
Begin by shredding 3 cups of cooked chicken and cooking 2 cups of pasta to al dente.
Utilize a large mixing bowl for combining the shredded chicken with 1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup.
Incorporate 1/2 cup of milk to achieve a smooth consistency.
Blend in 1/2 cup of bacon bits and 1 cup of thawed peas.
For cooking, allocate an additional 30 minutes, ensuring the dish bakes thoroughly.
Allow a 5-minute resting period before serving.
Cooking Steps
You’ll start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken with a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, ensuring the flavors integrate well.
Next, gently mix in 2 cups of cooked pasta, 1/2 cup of bacon bits, and 1 cup of thawed peas.
Then grease a baking dish using 1 tablespoon of olive oil before transferring the mixture.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee even cooking throughout the casserole.
Set your oven to this precise temperature to make certain that the casserole ingredients meld perfectly, achieving the desired texture and flavor.
Use an oven thermometer to verify the accuracy of your oven’s temperature, as discrepancies can affect cooking times and results.
Position the oven rack in the center to allow ideal heat circulation, preventing uneven cooking or over-browning.
This setting is vital for making sure the cheese topping melts uniformly, creating that perfect bubbly, golden finish.
Allow the oven to fully preheat before placing the dish inside.
This step is fundamental in maintaining the integrity of your cooking time and making certain the casserole bakes to perfection within the specified 30 minutes.
Step 2. Combine Chicken and Seasonings
Start by gathering all your ingredients for ideal workflow.
In a large mixing bowl, place 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken.
Use precision as you add one packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix, guaranteeing even distribution for balanced flavor.
Next, incorporate 1 cup of sour cream to provide creamy texture.
Measure out and add one can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup, which acts as a savory base.
Carefully pour in 1/2 cup of milk, enhancing the mixture’s smoothness.
Utilize a whisk or spoon to blend these components thoroughly.
Ascertain that the seasoned chicken is fully coated, achieving a homogenous mixture.
This step lays the foundation for the casserole’s rich, savory profile, preparing it for subsequent ingredients.
Step 3. Mix Pasta, Bacon, Peas
Fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with the chicken mixture.
Use a spatula to gently incorporate 2 cups of cooked pasta, distributing it evenly throughout the seasoned chicken, sour cream, and soup blend.
Next, add 1/2 cup of bacon bits, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed, offering a savory contrast to the creamy base.
Finally, introduce 1 cup of thawed peas.
The peas should be evenly distributed, providing a pop of color and a sweet, tender bite to the dish.
Stir with care, maintaining the integrity of the ingredients, ensuring each component complements the others.
This balanced blend of textures and flavors sets the stage for a delightful casserole, ready for the next preparation steps.
Step 4. Grease Dish With Olive Oil
Before proceeding to bake, make certain your baking dish is properly greased with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Start by pouring the olive oil into the dish. Using a pastry brush or a clean paper towel, evenly coat the entire interior surface of the dish.
Pay particular attention to the corners and edges, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
This step is essential in achieving an even bake and easy release of your casserole.
Olive oil not only acts as a lubricant but also imparts a subtle flavor that complements the dish.
Avoid excessive oil, as it may cause pooling, which could affect the texture of your casserole.
Once greased, your dish is prepped and ready for the next step.
Step 5. Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish
Carefully pour the well-mixed casserole ingredients into the prepared baking dish, guaranteeing an even distribution of the mixture throughout.
Use a spoon to smooth the surface, creating a uniform layer.
This step is essential for consistent baking and flavor integration.
The mixture, composed of 3 cups of shredded chicken, 1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, 2 cups of cooked pasta, 1 cup each of sour cream and cheddar cheese, a 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup of milk, bacon bits, and 1 cup of thawed peas, should fill the dish evenly.
Once transferred, sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
This technique guarantees the cheese melts uniformly, creating a golden, bubbling crust during baking.
Final Thoughts
Although preparing the Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Casserole seems straightforward, executing certain techniques will elevate your dish to perfection.
First, make sure your chicken is shredded uniformly to promote even distribution of flavors.
When combining ingredients, use a whisk to fully incorporate the sour cream with the cream of chicken soup and milk, creating a smooth base.
For maximum baking, preheat your oven to exactly 350°F (175°C) and make sure your baking dish is thoroughly greased with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Consider adding 1/2 cup of crushed crackers for a crunchy topping.
Allow the casserole to rest for exactly 5 minutes post-baking to let the flavors meld.
Adjust seasoning to taste, making sure each bite is richly satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead of Frozen Peas?
Absolutely, substitute 1 cup of fresh vegetables for frozen peas. Blanch fresh veggies briefly in boiling water, then shock in ice water to retain color and texture. Adjust cooking time if using denser vegetables like carrots or broccoli.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
Replace chicken with 3 cups cooked chickpeas or tofu. Use a packet of vegetarian ranch mix, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, and add 1 cup diced fresh vegetables. Follow original instructions, ensuring even ingredient distribution.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream?
Yes, you can substitute 1 cup of Greek yogurt for 1 cup of sour cream. Maintain the creamy texture by ensuring it’s full-fat. Whisk thoroughly to blend with other ingredients, preserving the dish’s consistency and flavor profile.
What Can I Use Instead of Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning?
You can substitute Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning with 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly.
How Should I Store Leftovers for Maximum Freshness?
Store leftovers in an airtight container, guaranteeing minimal air exposure. Refrigerate within two hours of cooling. Maintain a temperature of 40°F or below. For peak freshness, consume within three days. Reheat at 165°F before serving to verify safety.
Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked chicken Shredded
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups Cooked pasta
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1 can 10.5 oz Cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese Shredded
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Bacon bits
- 1 cup Frozen peas Thawed
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and milk.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, bacon bits, and thawed peas until well combined.
- Grease the baking dish with olive oil.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
