Description
Creamy, cheesy Chicken Casserole with bacon, broccoli or spinach, ranch, and a golden melty topping. It’s festive, quick, and perfect for cozy Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked, diced or shredded chicken breast
8 slices cooked and chopped bacon
5 cups broccoli florets or 1 pound frozen spinach (thawed and well drained)
3 cloves minced garlic
1 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: 1 to 3 teaspoons ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). If using spinach, thaw fully and squeeze out excess moisture. If using broccoli, boil for 1 to 2 minutes until bright green, then drain.
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, bacon, prepared vegetables, garlic, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and half the cheddar. Add ranch seasoning if using.
3. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
4. Top with remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes until hot and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Thoroughly drain spinach and broccoli to avoid a watery casserole.
Reserve half of the cheese for topping to prevent burning and create a melty surface.
If using fresh broccoli, par-boil briefly to avoid overcooking.
Stick to 350 to 375°F to avoid separating the dressing.
Rotisserie chicken is a quick, flavorful alternative to cooking chicken from scratch.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Christmas Dinner Recipes
- Method: Baking; Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Fat: 38
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Protein: 50