This Cheesy Ranch Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and packed with savory goodness. With a rich combination of melty cheese, tangy ranch seasoning, and tender chicken, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it over rice, pasta, or with a side of veggies for a complete meal!
Prep Time
- 10 minutes
Cook Time
- 25–30 minutes
Total Time
- 35–40 minutes
Servings
- 4 servings
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or a block of softened cream cheese)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite type)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Ranch Mixture
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or softened cream cheese), minced garlic, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- If using cream cheese, ensure it’s softened so it blends easily with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the ranch mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ranch-coated chicken breasts. Use your favorite type of cheese or a blend for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) .
- For extra browning on the cheese, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Pro Tips
- Cream Cheese Option: Using softened cream cheese instead of mayonnaise creates a thicker, cheesier coating that pairs beautifully with the ranch seasoning.
- Add-Ins: Customize the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bacon, or chopped green onions to the topping mixture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked chicken (without the cheese topping) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months . Add fresh cheese before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Ranch Chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The creamy ranch mixture and gooey melted cheese elevate plain chicken breasts into a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ready to make this cheesy, ranch-infused delight? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken—it’s comfort food made easy!
