Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Season the Chicken:
Place chicken breasts in the dish. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over both sides, rubbing it in to coat well.
3️⃣ Bake:
Bake the chicken for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
4️⃣ Add Cheese & Finish Baking:
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over each chicken breast. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes!
Pro Tips for Ranch Chicken Success:
- Even thickness = even cooking: Pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before baking.
- Want it crispier? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
- Need a shortcut? Use thin-cut chicken breasts or chicken tenders for faster cook time.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ranch Chicken:
- 3 Simple Ingredients: That’s all you need—chicken, ranch, and cheese!
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan, no mess.
- Big Flavor, Little Effort: Ranch seasoning does all the heavy lifting.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: ~330
- Protein: ~38g
- Carbs: ~2g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~0g
FAQ About Baked Ranch Chicken:
Can I use ranch dressing instead of seasoning?
For best results, use the dry seasoning mix. Liquid dressing can make the chicken too wet and affect baking.
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes—season the chicken and store in the fridge up to a day ahead. Add cheese just before baking.
Troubleshooting & Tips:
- Dry chicken? Don’t overbake—check internal temp with a meat thermometer.
- Too salty? Try using half the seasoning packet or a low-sodium version.
- Cheese sliding off? Add cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for perfect melt.
Flavor Twists to Try:
- Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper to the ranch mix.
- Buffalo Style: Drizzle with buffalo sauce before serving.
- Bacon Ranch (No Ham/Bacon Note Compliant): Use a vegetarian bacon-flavored seasoning or skip entirely to keep it bacon-free.
Perfect For:
- Busy weeknight dinners
- Quick meal prep
- Low-carb or keto meals
- Family-friendly favorites
- Pairing with salads, veggies, or rice
Cheesy Ranch Chicken: Easy, Flavorful, and Fuss-Free
This Simple Baked Ranch Chicken is juicy, cheesy, and so easy to make, you’ll be adding it to your weekly rotation in no time. With just three ingredients, it’s proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be totally delicious.
Tried it? Tag us with your cheesy chicken creations—we want to see your ranch-tastic dinner win!
