Sweet Chili Ranch Chicken Casserole

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Life is busy, and we all need that go-to recipe for nights when time is not on our side.  I'm talking the kind of recipe where you literally pop open a few cans, mix some things together, and put it in the oven.  The good news is that with a few simple ingredients and some of Hidden Valley Ranch's Sweet Chili Dressing that "throw-it-together" meal can be transformed into something that your family will ask for time and time again.  Take my Sweet Chili Ranch Chicken Casserole for example.  It literally takes minutes to put together, uses all pre-cooked or canned goods, and is finished in 30 min!  The secret is in the ranch.

I found my Hidden Valley Ranch Sweet Chili Dressing in the salad dressing aisle of my local Kroger.  It was clearly displayed toward the top of the shelf, and I had no problems finding it.

This recipe is so quick and flavorful I know you are going to love it!  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!


Sweet Chili Ranch Chicken Casserole:
*Prep Time: 10 min.  *Cook Time:  30 min.  *Difficulty:  Easy  *Servings:  6-8

Ingredients:

• 2 c. Cooked Chicken, chopped
• 1 c. Hidden Valley Ranch Sweet Chili Dressing
• 1 15 oz can Whole Kernel Southwest Corn, drained
• 1 15 oz can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, drained
• 1 15 oz Can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 oz. Cream Cheese, room temperature
• 4 Scallions, chopped
• 4 Cloves of Garlic, minced
• 1 Lime, zested and juiced
• Cooked Rice
• 2 c. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Fresh Cilantro Optional
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Next place a large pot over medium high heat and add 2-3 tbsp. of oil.

Add the scallions and

Garlic to the pot.
Cook until you smell the garlic coming from the pan.

Now drain the corn and

Add it to the pot.

My family likes a little spice so I used the southwest style corn with red peppers and poblanos, but if spice is not really your thing feel free to use plain canned corn here.  I promise it will be equally delicious.

Drain the black beans, rise them, and

 add them to the pot as well.

Next drain the fire roasted tomatoes.

Add them to the pot.

Zest the lime and add the zest to the pot.

Squeeze in the juice of one lime.

Casseroles tend to be rich and heavy, but the lime juice brightens everything up and adds a nice sweet flavor.

Now, for a little decadence. Add 4 oz. of room temperature cream cheese.
Give everything a stir and let the cream cheese melt into the pot, coating everything.

Now add the chicken.
I used cooked chicken from my freezer, but you can use left over chicken, rotisserie chicken, or dare I say canned chicken!

*** Here is one of my kitchen time savers.  Whenever I find chicken on sale I will stock up.  When I get home I will place it on a baking sheet, drizzle some olive oil over it, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 25-30 at 325.  Then allow it to cool and place in the freezer.  Now you have precooked chicken for those days that time is not on your side.***

Add the Hidden Valley Ranch Sweet Chili Dressing and stir everything together until it is all coated in the sauce.

Add the salt and

Pepper.
Once again give everything a stir, then taste for seasoning.
Make any adjustment you feel it may need.

Next place the cooked rice in the bottom of a 9x13, greased, baking dish.

Here is how I made the rice.
Bring 2 c. water to a boil.  Add 1 c. rice.  Lower heat to a simmer.  Cover, and let cook for 20 minutes.

Now you can pour the casserole mixture over the rice.

Top it with 2 c. of shredded cheddar cheese.

Place in a preheated oven for 30 minutes.

And there you have it!  A beautiful family meal that required minimal prep work.  You literately just threw everything together.   And the flavor, oh man, it is out of this world!  I like to add chopped cilantro for a little extra freshness.

This meal is even elegant enough to serve to friends.  Who knew a few canned goods from your pantry and a bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch Sweet Chili Dressing could be transformed into this! Now that I've shared my quick and easy recipe with you. I'd love to hear about yours! Leave a comment sharing your favorite recipe using Hidden Valley. And if you are looking for some inspiration check out  http://cbi.as/9p7y  for more recipe ideas.

And as always...

Happy Reading, Happy Eating, and Happy Living,
~The Kitchen Wife~