Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Featured in: One-Pan Comforts

This dish features tender chicken breasts coated with a creamy ranch mixture and topped with sharp cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection. The combination of spices and fresh herbs brings a comforting, rich flavor ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal. Simple to prepare, it offers a delicious balance of creamy and savory notes. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley for a bright finish.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:25:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake in a baking dish, ready to serve with sides. Save
Golden, bubbly Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake in a baking dish, ready to serve with sides. | coraloven.com

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

I still remember the first time I made this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake after a busy day: everyone loved how creamy and flavorful it was, and it became an instant hit at our table.

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 and dish:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Arrange chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Mix ranch ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add ranch mixture:
Spread the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Cheese topping:
Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with chives or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
This creamy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake features tender chicken coated in cheese and ranch. Save
This creamy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake features tender chicken coated in cheese and ranch. | coraloven.com

This chicken casserole has become one of our most requested cozy family dinners—everyone gathers around the table knowing it will be a comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cheesy chicken bake with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximately 410 calories, 24 g total fat, 5 g carbohydrates, and 42 g protein.

Customization Ideas

Add cooked crumbled bacon for extra flavor, or swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten it up.

A close-up of a flavorful Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, with melted cheese and herbs. Save
A close-up of a flavorful Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, with melted cheese and herbs. | coraloven.com

Try this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake for a hearty dinner that is sure to please the whole family. You might find yourself making it again and again!

Recipe FAQs

What temperature should I bake the dish at?

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal baking.

Can I substitute sour cream in the mixture?

Yes, Greek yogurt works as a lighter alternative to sour cream.

How can I check if the chicken is fully cooked?

Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Are there any suggested toppings to enhance flavor?

Crispy bacon crumbles can be added before baking for extra savory depth.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, provided the ranch dressing used is certified gluten-free.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Juicy chicken breasts smothered in creamy ranch and cheddar, baked until golden and flavorful.

Prep time
10 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Time Required
40 minutes
Created by Hannah Lewis


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details No gluten, Reduced Carb

What You Need

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (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)

How To Make

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 the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 03

Combine Ranch Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 04

Coat Chicken: Spread the ranch mixture uniformly over each chicken breast.

Step 05

Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the coated chicken breasts, covering evenly.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Optionally top with chopped fresh chives or parsley and serve warm.

Needed utensils

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

Allergy details

Check components for allergens, and get advice from a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing.
  • Ranch dressing may contain eggs and other allergens; verify ingredient labels.
  • Gluten-free if using certified gluten-free ranch dressing.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Details are for informational purposes, not medical use.
  • Kilocalories: 410
  • Fat content: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 42 g