Save A comforting casserole, Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake features juicy chicken breasts smothered in creamy ranch and cheddar cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. It's the perfect solution for effortless weeknight dinners packed with flavor.
When I first made this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, my family couldn't believe how easy it was to get so much flavor with just a handful of ingredients. The ranch and cheddar combo really won them over, making this casserole a regular part of our dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs (680 g))
- Ranch Mixture: 1/2 cup (120 ml) ranch dressing, 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Topping: 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Arrange Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Ranch Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Coat Chicken:
- Spread the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F (74°C)) and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Save This cheesy chicken bake is always a family favorite—everyone gathers around the table quick when they smell it coming out of the oven. There's rarely any leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Pair with steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or mashed potatoes for a balanced dinner.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten up the dish or use parsley in place of chives for a different herb finish.
Allergen Info and Nutrition
Contains dairy and may contain eggs depending on your ranch dressing. Each serving delivers approximately 410 calories and 42 g protein.
Save With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this casserole brings comfort and ease to any dinner table. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, sharp cheddar is recommended for its melting quality and flavor, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be substituted for a milder taste.
- → How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Baking until cheese is bubbly also indicates readiness.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it, but bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich flavors of this bake nicely.
- → Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, provided a gluten-free ranch dressing is used, this dish fits gluten-free dietary needs.