Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Featured in: Comfort Baking

Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a creamy ranch and sour cream mixture, then topped with sharp cheddar cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. This comforting casserole comes together quickly and is ideal for busy evenings. Customizable with bacon or fresh herbs, it pairs well with sides like steamed vegetables or salad. Perfect for gluten-free diets when you use certified ingredients. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this dish brings classic flavors and hearty satisfaction to your dinner table.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 15:42:00 GMT
Golden Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake topped with chives, perfect for family dinners.  Save
Golden Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake topped with chives, perfect for family dinners. | butterhearth.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: 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.
Mix 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.
Sprinkle 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.
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Serve with steamed vegetables, a green salad, or mashed potatoes.

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

Creamy ranch and melted cheddar cover juicy chicken in this comforting bake.  Save
Creamy ranch and melted cheddar cover juicy chicken in this comforting bake. | butterhearth.com

Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this simple yet delicious meal.

Recipe Questions

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The cheese should appear bubbly and golden.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well. Adjust baking time as they may require slightly less or more time depending on thickness.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free ranch dressing and verify all ingredients to keep this meal suitable for gluten-free diets.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate. Bake fresh when you're ready to serve for best texture and taste.

What sides pair well with this casserole?

Serve alongside steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a balanced and tasty meal.

Can I add bacon or other toppings?

Absolutely. Crumbled bacon, fresh chives, or parsley add extra flavor and color. Customize as you like.

Cheddar Ranch Chicken Bake

Chicken breasts baked with ranch, cheddar, and herbs for a creamy, flavorful, fuss-free main dish.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
30 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No Gluten, Low in Carbs

Components

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 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 freshly ground black pepper

Topping

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

Directions

Stage 01

Prep the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Stage 02

Arrange Chicken: Place chicken breasts evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Stage 03

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

Stage 04

Coat Chicken: Spread the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

Stage 05

Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the coated chicken.

Stage 06

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

Stage 07

Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consider consulting with a healthcare provider if you're unsure about certain ingredients.
  • Contains dairy from cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing.
  • Ranch dressing may include eggs and other allergens; review ingredient labels if sensitive.
  • Gluten-free if using certified gluten-free ranch dressing.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 410
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Protein Content: 42 g