Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake features juicy chicken breasts covered with a creamy ranch mixture and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. The chicken is baked until golden and bubbling, resulting in tender meat infused with savory flavors and a cheesy crust. Customize by adding crispy bacon or substituting Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. This dish pairs well with steamed veggies, salad, or mashed potatoes and is simple to prepare—just mix, assemble, and bake. It’s an ideal, comforting main course for busy evenings, offering maximum satisfaction with minimal effort in under an hour.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 14:19:00 GMT
Creamy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake topped with melted cheese, a comforting weeknight dinner.  Save
Creamy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake topped with melted cheese, a comforting weeknight dinner. | forkina.com

A comforting, flavorful casserole featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in creamy ranch and cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners.

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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 & prep dish:
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.
Prepare ranch mixture:
In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Spread ranch 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.
Savory Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, golden and bubbly, perfect for family-style meals.  Pin it
Savory Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, golden and bubbly, perfect for family-style meals. | forkina.com

This is a great meal solution for busy weeknights, perfect for sharing around the family table.

Required Tools

9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, Mixing bowl, Measuring cups and spoons, Oven

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing). Ranch dressing may contain eggs and other potential allergens—check labels if sensitive. Gluten-free if all ingredients (especially ranch dressing) are certified gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 410, Total Fat: 24 g, Carbohydrates: 5 g, Protein: 42 g

Delicious Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake drizzled with ranch dressing, flavorful and easy to prepare. Pin it
Delicious Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake drizzled with ranch dressing, flavorful and easy to prepare. | forkina.com

Enjoy this deliciously simple Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any meal occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt?

Yes. Greek yogurt offers a lighter texture and works well with the ranch mixture, adding a tangy note.

What sides pair best with this bake?

Steamed vegetables, green salad, or mashed potatoes are excellent choices for a balanced meal.

Is it suitable for gluten-free diets?

It can be made gluten-free if all ingredients, particularly ranch dressing, are certified gluten-free.

How do I make the dish more flavorful?

Add crumbled cooked bacon before baking, or sprinkle extra herbs like parsley or chives after cooking.

What is the best way to check if chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Tender chicken baked with ranch, cheddar, and herbs for easy, comforting weeknight dinners.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb

Ingredients

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds)

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 ground black pepper

Topping

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

Instructions

Step 01

Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Chicken Arrangement: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, arranging evenly in a single layer.

Step 03

Mix and Spread Ranch Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, then evenly spread the mixture over the chicken breasts.

Step 04

Cheddar Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the ranch-coated chicken, covering the surface.

Step 05

Baking Process: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbling golden.

Step 06

Garnishing and Serving: Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products including cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing.
  • Ranch dressing may contain eggs and other potential allergens; verify ingredient labels if sensitive.
  • Gluten-free if using certified gluten-free ranch dressing and ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein: 42 g