Pin Recipe A comforting, flavorful casserole featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in creamy ranch and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
I first made this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake on a busy night when I needed something the whole family would love. It quickly became a go-to recipe for us, especially when we wanted something hearty but effortless to put together.
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:
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Ranch Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Top Chicken:
- Spread the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering evenly.
- 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.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Pin Recipe This casserole has become a cozy tradition at our table, and I love seeing everyone dig in for seconds. It brings extra joy when we sit down together and enjoy all that gooey melted cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this chicken bake with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or mashed potatoes for a balanced and comforting meal.
Recipe Variations
Try adding cooked crumbled bacon on top for extra flavor, or substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter twist. You can also swap cheddar for your favorite cheese.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Pin Recipe Enjoy this comforting Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake for any busy night when you want dinner to feel extra special. Each bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and layering the creamy ranch and cheddar topping.
- → Can I substitute ingredients in the ranch mixture?
Yes, sour cream can be swapped for Greek yogurt for a lighter touch, and homemade ranch dressing can replace store-bought for personalized flavor.
- → 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 on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this dish?
This dish can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free ranch dressing and confirm all other ingredients are free of gluten.
- → What sides pair well with this chicken bake?
Steamed vegetables, green salads, or mashed potatoes complement the rich, cheesy flavors and complete the meal.