Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Featured in: Quick Family Meals

This comforting dish features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy ranch blend and topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, it delivers a rich and savory flavor perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Optional fresh herbs add a light, herbal note while ingredients keep it gluten-free with the right dressing. Serve warm and enjoy a satisfying dish with minimal prep and quick cooking time.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:36:14 GMT
Juicy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs.  Pin
Juicy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs. | potfuljoy.com

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together juicy, tender chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy ranch dressing and sharp cheddar cheese. This casserole bakes to a golden bubbly perfection, making it an effortless weeknight dinner that feels both hearty and indulgent. Its simple preparation and rich flavors make it a family favorite that’s sure to satisfy anyone craving a warm, cheesy meal.

Juicy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs.  Pin
Juicy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs. | potfuljoy.com

This casserole’s golden, cheesy crust not only tastes amazing but also creates a wonderfully comforting texture. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for a few days, this dish delivers on flavor without the fuss.

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

1. Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
2. Arrange chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
3. Mix ranch
In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
4. Spread mixture
Spread the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
5. Add cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering evenly.
6. 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.
7. Garnish and serve
Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For enhanced flavor, consider adding 4 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream without sacrificing creaminess.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Use gluten-free ranch dressing to keep the dish gluten-free. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a bright touch but can be omitted if unavailable. Swap sharp cheddar for a milder cheese if preferred.

Serviervorschläge

This casserole pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes to complete a comforting meal.

Comforting Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake ready to serve alongside green salad.  Pin
Comforting Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake ready to serve alongside green salad. | potfuljoy.com

Easy to make and packed with flavor, this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its creamy, cheesy layers and tender chicken make for a satisfying meal that’s as simple as it is delicious.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Juicy chicken coated in creamy ranch and cheddar, baked to golden perfection for easy dinners.

Preparation time
10 min
Cooking time
30 min
Total time
40 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary specifications Gluten-free, Low-Carb

Ingredients

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.5 lbs)

Ranch Mixture

01 1/2 cup ranch dressing
02 1/4 cup sour cream
03 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
05 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

01 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Arrange chicken: Place chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 03

Mix ranch seasoning: Combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl and mix well.

Step 04

Coat chicken with ranch mixture: Evenly spread the ranch mixture over the chicken breasts.

Step 05

Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the coated chicken.

Step 06

Bake until cooked: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with chopped chives or parsley and serve hot.

Required equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains dairy from cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing.
  • Ranch dressing may contain eggs and other allergens; verify ingredients if sensitive.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Carbs: 5 g
  • Protein: 42 g