Save A comforting, flavorful casserole featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in creamy ranch and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
This chicken bake quickly became a favorite in our house on nights I needed something hearty but simple. Everyone always comes back for seconds, especially once they smell that bubbling cheddar in the oven.
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)
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Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Arrange Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts evenly in the prepared dish.
- Mix Ranch:
- In a bowl, stir together ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper.
- Spread Mixture:
- Evenly coat chicken breasts with ranch mixture.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, spreading to cover.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and cheese is golden.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Top with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Save We love making this casserole for family nights because it means more time together and less time spent cleaning up. It pairs perfectly with a simple salad for a wholesome meal everyone enjoys.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chicken bake with steamed vegetables, green salad, or mashed potatoes for a balanced dinner.
Ingredient Swaps
Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version, or add cooked bacon on top for extra flavor.
Nutrition
Each serving has about 410 calories, 24 g fat, 5 g carbs, and 42 g protein.
Save This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake brings everyone to the table and is always a welcome comfort after a busy day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes, cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella work well if you prefer a milder flavor or a different texture.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute ranch dressing and sour cream with plant-based versions to keep creamy textures.
- → What sides pair well with this baked chicken?
Steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad complement the rich flavors nicely.
- → Is it possible to prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken and ranch mixture in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
- → What internal temperature should the chicken reach when baked?
Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe and juicy results.
- → Can I add bacon to this dish?
Adding cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking enhances the flavor with a smoky crunch.
