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 first made this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake when I needed a fast but satisfying meal that everyone would enjoy. The creamy ranch and sharp cheddar cheese combo 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
- Preheat 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.
- Mix Ranch Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Spread Mixture:
- 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 Sharing this casserole with my family always leads to smiles around the table. It's the kind of meal that brings everyone together for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this bake with steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes to complete your meal.
Allergy & Nutrition
Contains dairy and may contain eggs from ranch dressing; always check ingredient labels for allergens. Each serving has 410 calories and 42 g of protein.
Substitutions & Tips
For a lighter option, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. Add cooked, crumbled bacon before baking for extra flavor.
Pin Serve hot and enjoy a comforting meal packed with flavor. This recipe is sure to become a weeknight classic in your home.
Recipe FAQ
- → What temperature is best for baking this dish?
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly while the cheese browns nicely.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary needs?
Yes, using gluten-free ranch dressing keeps it gluten-free, and swapping sour cream with Greek yogurt lightens the dish.
- → How can I add extra flavor to this dish?
Adding cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking introduces a smoky, savory depth to the flavor profile.
- → What herbs complement this chicken bake?
Fresh chives or parsley sprinkled before serving add a bright, fresh note that balances the creamy richness.
- → What side dishes pair well with this bake?
Steamed vegetables, green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes provide perfect accompaniments to round out the meal.