Save to Pinterest 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 tried this cheesy chicken bake when I was looking for a simple meal halfway through a hectic week. The creamy ranch and cheddar combination instantly became a family favorite.
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:
- Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Ranch:
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Spread Mixture:
- Spread ranch mixture evenly over chicken breasts.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Finish:
- Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest Every time I make this chicken bake, my kids race to the table. It's become a go-to recipe for casual family dinners and even picky eaters ask for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with steamed vegetables, a green salad, or mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal.
Substitutions
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version, or add crumbled cooked bacon for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving has about 410 calories, 24 g fat, 5 g carbohydrates, and 42 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy the simple comfort of this cheesy ranch chicken bake—a perfect dinner that's both hearty and satisfying.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they cook evenly and stay juicy under the creamy topping.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for its strong flavor and melting quality, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be good alternatives.
- → How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Ensure the ranch dressing you use is certified gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → Is there a way to make it lighter?
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the ranch mixture to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess.
- → What sides complement this dish well?
Steamed vegetables, green salads, or mashed potatoes pair nicely with this hearty chicken bake.
- → Can I add bacon to this dish?
Yes, adding cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking adds extra smoky flavor and texture.