Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy ranch sauce and topped with sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy, savory delight.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Step 4: Spread the ranch mixture evenly over each chicken breast, coating them thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the coated chicken breasts.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking to brown the cheese topping.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier and lighter option.
• Add cooked bacon bits to the cheese topping for added smoky flavor.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, to keep the cheese melty and the chicken juicy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend to suit your taste.

Is it necessary to use ranch dressing?

Ranch dressing adds signature flavor, but you can replace it with blue cheese dressing or a mixture of mayonnaise and herbs if preferred.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, cheesy baked chicken dish featuring boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful ranch and sour cream mixture, topped with sharp cheddar cheese, and baked to perfection. This easy-to-make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake is a comforting weeknight meal that pairs well with vegetables or a fresh salad.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)

Ranch Mixture

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are spaced slightly apart for even cooking.
3. Combine Ranch Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Coat Chicken: Spread the ranch and sour cream mixture evenly over each chicken breast, coating them completely with the flavorful dressing.
5. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese uniformly over the coated chicken breasts to create a deliciously cheesy crust as it bakes.
6. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the ranch mixture for 30 minutes before baking if time permits.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh garden salad.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispy cheese topping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, baked chicken breast, creamy ranch chicken, cheesy chicken bake, easy chicken dinner