Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Featured in: Simple Home Meals

This comforting dish combines tender chicken breasts coated with a creamy ranch mixture, topped with sharp cheddar cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. The creamy ranch blend adds rich flavor balanced by the sharpness of the cheddar, creating a satisfying entrée ideal for easy weeknight dinners. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley enhance the aroma and presentation. Optional bacon adds smoky depth for an extra savory touch.

Prep is quick with basic ingredients and minimal steps—perfect for cooks seeking a hearty, flavorful meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete the plate.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 14:39:00 GMT
Golden Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, drizzled with creamy ranch dressing, fresh herbs on top.  Save to Pinterest
Golden Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, drizzled with creamy ranch dressing, fresh herbs on top. | lovelyserena.com

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

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

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Step 2:
Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3:
In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Step 4:
Spread the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Step 5:
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering evenly.
Step 6:
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.
Step 7:
Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Savory Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, bubbly cheese melting over tender chicken, served hot.  Save to Pinterest
Savory Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, bubbly cheese melting over tender chicken, served hot. | lovelyserena.com

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Deliciously comforting Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, featuring juicy chicken smothered in ranch sauce. Save to Pinterest
Deliciously comforting Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake, featuring juicy chicken smothered in ranch sauce. | lovelyserena.com

This dish is perfect for sharing with family on busy weeknights.

Ask About This Recipe

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for even cooking and absorbing the creamy ranch topping.

Can I substitute the ranch dressing?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a lighter alternative; use your preferred ranch dressing for flavor variations.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and the cheese should be bubbly and golden.

Are there vegetarian options using this method?

Plant-based chicken alternatives can be baked similarly with the ranch and cheddar topping for a vegetarian version.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking; bake just before serving for best results.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Juicy baked chicken layered with creamy ranch dressing and melted sharp cheddar cheese.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Wheat-Free, Low in Carbs

What You Need

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 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 It

Step 01

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat 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

Mix Ranch Sauce: Combine ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl and stir until blended.

Step 04

Apply Ranch Mixture: Spread the ranch mixture uniformly over the chicken breasts.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving hot.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains dairy from cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing.
  • Ranch dressing may contain eggs and other allergens; verify labels if sensitive.
  • Gluten-free only if all components, especially ranch dressing, are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 410
  • Lipids: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 42 g