Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe
If there’s one dish that never fails to win hearts at my dinner table, it’s this Baked Ranch Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, tangy ranch sauce, topped with a generous layer of melty cheese, and baked to golden perfection — this recipe is pure comfort food with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat, Baked Ranch Chicken delivers big flavor with just a handful of pantry staples. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become a beloved favorite in your home too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, familiar ingredients coming together for a meal that’s way more than the sum of its parts. Each component brings its own magic, ensuring every bite of Baked Ranch Chicken is brimming with savory, creamy goodness.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the perfect canvas for absorbing all that flavorful ranch sauce.
- Ranch seasoning mix: The star of the show, just one packet adds a zesty, herb-packed punch to the whole dish.
- Sour cream: Lends creamy tanginess and keeps the chicken beautifully moist and tender.
- Mayonnaise: Brings extra creaminess and helps the topping achieve that perfectly baked, luscious finish.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts into a bubbly, gooey layer—choose your favorite or even combine both for maximum cheesy pull!
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth and an aromatic kick to complement the ranch flavors.
- Paprika: For a hint of smoky warmth and a dash of appetizing color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and perfectly seasoning every bite.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A scatter of fresh green at the end brightens up the dish and adds a lovely finish.
How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot by the time your chicken is ready to bake. Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of oil or nonstick spray—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your Baked Ranch Chicken won’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Ranch Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This creamy mixture is what transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special!
Step 3: Arrange Chicken and Top with Sauce
Place your chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Evenly spread the ranch mixture over each piece—don’t be shy, make sure every inch gets that delicious coating. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with bold, tangy flavor as it bakes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese generously over the top of the sauced chicken breasts. This is where the magic really happens: as the chicken bakes, the cheese melts into an irresistibly gooey, golden layer.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through—juicy but no longer pink in the center—and the cheese on top will be melted and just starting to brown. For a crispier topping, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, watching closely so nothing burns.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Let the Baked Ranch Chicken rest for a couple of minutes so the juices settle. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Now you’re ready to serve up this creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed main course!
How to Serve Baked Ranch Chicken
Garnishes
Baked Ranch Chicken truly shines with a little touch of green: a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is my go-to, adding a hint of herbal brightness and making the dish look extra inviting. If parsley isn’t on hand, a little chive or sliced green onion gives a similar pop of freshness and color.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables—think broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts—to balance the creamy richness. A crisp side salad with lots of crunchy greens makes a fresh contrast, or you can go classic and serve it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a buttery ear of corn. You can’t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-worthy platter, slice the chicken breasts before serving so guests can easily help themselves to a portion and admire the gooey, herby topping. Or, tuck slices of Baked Ranch Chicken into warm sandwich rolls or wraps with lettuce and tomato for an irresistible lunch. Leftover chicken can even be diced and tossed into pasta or salads for a whole new meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Baked Ranch Chicken will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to lock in the flavors and keep everything juicy and fresh. When you’re ready for seconds (or thirds!), it’ll be just as delicious as day one.
Freezing
If you want to make this meal in advance, Baked Ranch Chicken freezes well too. Once cooled, transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, let the chicken thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Baked Ranch Chicken, place it in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until hot all the way through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the topping nice and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well. They stay juicy and absorb all that ranch flavor—just adjust the baking time as needed, since thighs are often a bit smaller and might cook quicker.
Is it okay to use homemade ranch seasoning?
Yes! If you have a favorite blend of dried herbs and spices for ranch seasoning, go ahead and use it in place of the packet. Homemade seasoning gives you full control over the salt and flavor profile.
Can I make Baked Ranch Chicken dairy-free?
Definitely. Swap the sour cream and mayonnaise with your preferred dairy-free alternatives, and use a dairy-free shredded cheese. The result is just as creamy and flavorful, so everyone can enjoy it.
Does this recipe work with frozen chicken breasts?
You’ll get the best results with fully thawed chicken, as it cooks more evenly and absorbs the marinade. If you’re in a time crunch, just make sure to add extra baking time and check for doneness with a thermometer.
Can I prepare Baked Ranch Chicken ahead of time?
For ultimate convenience, you can assemble the chicken and topping up to a day beforehand, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just sprinkle on the cheese and bake as directed—it’s a true time-saver for busy nights or entertaining!
Final Thoughts
If there’s a comfort meal that delivers every time, it’s got to be Baked Ranch Chicken. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own—whether you serve it for family dinner or fancy it up for guests, each bite is packed with happiness. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy forkful!
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Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Ranch Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are coated with a creamy ranch mixture, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Ranch Mixture:
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix ranch mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ranch seasoning, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare chicken: Place chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
- Coat chicken: Spread ranch mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Add topping: Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
