Pin It A comforting, flavorful casserole featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in creamy ranch and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
The first time I made this, my whole family was impressed by how the simple ranch and cheddar combination transformed everyday chicken into a dinner they all requested again.
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 the Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Arrange Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Ranch Mixture:
- Combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Coat Chicken:
- Evenly spread the ranch mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Finish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Pin It This casserole became a favorite for our Sunday dinners when my kids started requesting extra ranch and cheese every time. It brings everyone to the table with big smiles.
Substitution Ideas
Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter version and turkey bacon may be used for less fat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips
Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s doneness for a juicy bake and let casserole rest for a few minutes before serving so cheese sets nicely.
Pin It This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy easy comfort food, baked fresh and ready in under an hour.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
- → Can I use fresh herbs for garnish?
Yes, chopped fresh chives or parsley add a fresh flavor and vibrant color to the finished dish.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- → Are there variations for the creamy coating?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter coating or add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets?
Yes, if you use gluten-free ranch dressing, this dish can be gluten-free.