There’s something incredibly comforting about a ranch-flavored dish. The combination of creamy, herby, and slightly tangy flavors has made ranch a beloved staple across kitchens everywhere. When paired with hearty vegan chicken and tender broccoli in a warm, cheesy casserole, it becomes an absolute game-changer. This Ranch Chicken Casserole is not just a crowd-pleaser but also a dish that brings everyone to the table for seconds.
Table of contents
What makes Ranch Chicken Popular
Ranch seasoning has long been a favorite in homes, offering a well-balanced mix of savory and herbaceous notes that enhance just about any dish. Its versatility makes it perfect for dressings, marinades, and, of course, casseroles.
The combination of creamy and tangy elements paired with comforting ingredients like cheese and hearty vegetables creates an irresistible depth of flavor.
This vegan-friendly take on the classic captures all the essence of ranch while keeping it entirely plant-based.
Ingredients for the best Ranch Chicken Casserole
To achieve the perfect Ranch Chicken Casserole, choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. The base of this dish is vegan chicken, which offers the ideal texture to soak up all the flavors. Broccoli florets add a fresh contrast and slight crunch, balancing the richness. A simple blend of olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder enhances the depth of the dish.
The ranch component comes to life with a combination of dairy-free yogurt, white vinegar, and a mix of dried herbs—parsley, chives, and dill—creating that signature zesty and creamy taste. And, of course, no casserole is complete without a layer of melty, golden vegan cheese that ties everything together beautifully.
How to make Ranch Chicken Casserole
Creating this dish is simple and rewarding. Start by preheating the oven to 390F. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the vegan chicken until golden and slightly crispy. Add the broccoli florets, letting them cook until they are just tender, preserving their vibrant color and slight crunch.
In a separate bowl, whisk together dairy-free yogurt, white vinegar, and a generous blend of dried parsley, chives, and dill, along with garlic and onion powder, and half of the vegan cheese. This creamy mixture is the key to infusing every bite with that signature ranch flavor. In a large mixing bowl, pour the sauce over the vegan chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of the remaining vegan cheese on top, allowing it to create a golden, melty crust as it bakes.
Pop it into the oven and let it bake until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, approximately 20 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors fully develop and come together.
Tips and Tricks for Leftovers
Leftovers of this Ranch Chicken Casserole are just as delicious, if not better, the next day. The flavors continue to meld, creating an even richer taste.
Storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator keeps it fresh, and a quick reheat in the oven or microwave brings back its creamy texture.
If the casserole thickens after refrigeration, a small splash of plant-based milk can help loosen it up while maintaining the creaminess.
Ideas for Variations
This casserole is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to tweak based on preference or what’s on hand. Swapping out the broccoli for cauliflower or Brussels sprouts offers a different twist while still keeping the dish hearty.
Adding cooked pasta or quinoa can make it even more filling.
For a bit of spice, a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika brings a warming heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy ranch flavors.
Other recipes to try
If you make this Ranch Chicken Casserole, I’d love to hear about it! Snap a picture and tag me on Instagram and Facebook so I can see your delicious creation.
Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating below—I always enjoy reading your thoughts and seeing how this recipe turns out in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Ranch Chicken Casserole
There’s something so comforting about a ranch-flavored dish. The creamy, herby, and slightly tangy taste has made ranch a favorite in kitchens all over. When you pair it with hearty vegan chicken and tender broccoli in a warm, cheesy casserole, it becomes a real game-changer. This Ranch Chicken Casserole is not just a hit with everyone, but it’s also a dish that everyone will want seconds of!
Ingredients
- 10 oz vegan chicken
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup dairy-free yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 5 oz vegan cheese, divided
- salt, pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 390F. Sauté vegan chicken in olive oil until golden and crispy. Add broccoli florets and cook until tender, preserving color and crunch.
- In a bowl, whisk dairy-free yogurt, vinegar, dried parsley, chives, dill, garlic, onion powder, and half the vegan cheese. This creamy sauce infuses every bite with ranch flavor. Pour sauce over chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is coated.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining vegan cheese on top for a golden, melty crust.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let cool for a few minutes before serving to let flavors develop.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 653mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 18g
Holly
Tuesday 11th of March 2025
What do you use for vegan chicken? Would there be a way to substitute tofu or chickpeas?
Florian
Tuesday 11th of March 2025
Hi Holly! You can use any vegan chicken that you like and want. There are several brands that taste amazing and widely available. You can use tofu, chickpeas or lentils of course, yet keep in mind the result will be a bit different. Hope that clarifies and let me know what you think.