Pin A comforting, flavorful casserole featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in creamy ranch and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
I remember making this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake on a chilly evening when my family wanted something cozy yet satisfying. It quickly became our go-to dish for those nights when everyone craved homestyle flavor with minimal effort in the kitchen.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Arrange Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Ranch Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Spread Mixture:
- Spread ranch mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Cheese:
- Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Pin This dish is a favorite with my family, bringing everyone to the table for seconds. My kids always love helping sprinkle on the cheese before it goes in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with steamed vegetables, a green salad, or mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing). Ranch dressing may contain eggs. Be sure to check ingredient labels if you have sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 410 calories, 24 g total fat, 5 g carbohydrates, and 42 g protein.
Pin This cheesy casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at your table and makes delicious leftovers the next day.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts. They may need a slightly longer cooking time.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free ranch dressing and ingredients for a gluten-free version.
- → What sides pair well with this bake?
Consider serving with steamed veggies, green salad, or mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.
- → Can I add other toppings?
Crumble cooked bacon or add fresh herbs before baking for extra flavor.
- → How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly.
- → Can sour cream be replaced?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a lighter alternative to sour cream in the ranch mixture.