There’s something irresistibly comforting about a well-made baked chicken dish, and Simple Baked Ranch Chicken hits all the right notes. This creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed recipe has become a staple in many households for good reason. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and made with pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or planning an easy family meal, this dish checks all the boxes.
What makes this dish so popular? It combines the savory taste of ranch seasoning with the gooey richness of melted cheddar cheese, all brought together with creamy mayonnaise and sour cream. The result is a golden-baked, juicy chicken that pairs beautifully with nearly any side dish.
If you’re unfamiliar with ranch dressing or seasoning, this resource on ranch dressing gives you a detailed breakdown of its history and flavor profile. For more easy chicken ideas, you might find inspiration from this Pinterest board on baked chicken recipes to spark even more creativity in your kitchen.
💚 Why you’ll love this recipe so much 🍽️
This Simple Baked Ranch Chicken recipe is a dream come true for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking dinner after a long day, this dish delivers big flavor without the fuss.
Here’s why this recipe is so well-loved:
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Quick and easy: Only a few minutes of prep and around 30 minutes in the oven.
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Few ingredients: Uses just 6 core ingredients, most of which are pantry staples.
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Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy ranch flavor.
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Versatile: It works well with low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.
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Customizable: Add vegetables, different cheeses, or spices to suit your taste.
Want more inspiration for family dinners? Explore this Pinterest board on family-friendly meals to find more dishes that please even picky eaters. Curious about the nutritional value of chicken breasts? Check out this breakdown on chicken as food to learn how lean and protein-rich this meat really is.
🛒 Ingredients breakdown 🧂
Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this Simple Baked Ranch Chicken recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect texture and flavor.
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Opt for fresh or fully thawed cuts. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
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1 packet ranch seasoning mix: You can use store-bought or a homemade blend for a more natural option.
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth. You can swap it with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella for a milder taste.
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½ cup mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and moisture. Use a high-quality brand or a low-fat version if desired. For more details, visit this article on mayonnaise.
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½ cup sour cream: Balances out the mayo and cheese with tang. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch. Learn more about how sour cream is used in cooking.
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Salt and pepper, to taste: Season to your preference before baking.
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness after baking.
Looking to add even more flavor? Try seasoning the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder before applying the ranch mixture.
🧰 Tools and kitchen essentials 🔪
To make this dish seamlessly, ensure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:
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Baking dish: A glass or ceramic 9×13 dish works best for even cooking.
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Mixing bowl: Medium-sized, for preparing the ranch-cheese mixture.
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Spatula or spoon: For spreading the creamy topping evenly.
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Oven thermometer: Ensures your oven is preheated to exactly 375°F (190°C).
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Meat thermometer: Ideal for checking if the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) internally.
Having the right tools simplifies your workflow and guarantees the perfect baked ranch chicken every time.
📝 How to make baked ranch chicken: step-by-step 🧑🍳
Creating Simple Baked Ranch Chicken is as easy as it is satisfying. Follow these steps carefully to get perfect results:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat. This ensures even cooking and a golden top.
Step 2: Prep the chicken
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Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
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Place them in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish in a single layer.
Step 3: Mix the topping
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
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1 packet ranch seasoning
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup mayonnaise
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½ cup sour cream
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Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
Step 4: Assemble
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Spoon the ranch mixture over each chicken breast.
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Spread evenly so each piece is fully coated.
Step 5: Bake
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Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.
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The cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Garnish and serve
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Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
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Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Want more baked meal inspiration? Browse this Pinterest board on weeknight dinner ideas for dishes that are both easy and satisfying. If you’re curious about how cheddar cheese reacts when baked, this cheddar cheese melting guide explains why it’s such a good choice.
🌟 Tips for best results 👩🍳
To make sure your Simple Baked Ranch Chicken turns out perfect every time, follow these tried-and-true tips:
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Avoid overbaking: Use a meat thermometer to prevent dry chicken.
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Let it rest: Allow the chicken to sit for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
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Use parchment paper: Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
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Add texture: For a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed whole-grain crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional) before baking.
These pro tips help turn a basic baked chicken dish into something restaurant-worthy.
🔄 Flavor variations & add-ins 🧀🌶️
Once you’ve mastered the original recipe, you can switch things up with these tasty add-ins and variations:
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Spicy Ranch: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the ranch mixture.
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Turkey Bacon Ranch: Mix in chopped, cooked turkey bacon for a smoky twist without the pork.
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Cheese blends: Use a combo of Colby Jack, mozzarella, and cheddar for extra cheesiness.
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Veggie boost: Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
Need more visual inspo for cheesy dishes? Head over to this Pinterest board on low-carb cheesy meals to get your mouth watering.
🥦 What to serve with ranch chicken 🍴
This Simple Baked Ranch Chicken is rich and savory, so it pairs well with a variety of light or hearty side dishes:
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Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
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Steamed or roasted vegetables (like green beans, carrots, or zucchini)
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Rice or quinoa for a fiber-rich option
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Garden salad or coleslaw for crunch and contrast
For more balanced dinner pairings, explore this Pinterest board on easy chicken dinners.
🧊 Make-ahead, storage, and reheating tips 🔁
This recipe is a great candidate for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
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To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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To freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months.
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To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
This recipe is also great for lunchboxes—just add a side of rice and some steamed veggies.
📊 Nutrition information 🥗
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
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Calories | 410 |
Protein | 38g |
Carbohydrates | 3g |
Fat | 26g |
Saturated Fat | 10g |
Cholesterol | 110mg |
Sodium | 690mg |
Fiber | 0g |
Sugar | 1g |
This dish is suitable for low-carb and keto-friendly diets. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayo and sour cream.
❓ Frequently asked questions (FAQs) ❓
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about baked ranch chicken:
Can I use ranch dressing instead of seasoning?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder and the texture more liquid. For best results, use the dry seasoning mix.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to 15–20 minutes at 375°F. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
How do I make it without mayo?
Substitute plain Greek yogurt or add extra sour cream to keep the creamy texture.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With only 3g of carbs per serving, it fits most low-carb meal plans.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken completely before baking for even cooking. Cooking from frozen will change the texture and bake time.
✅ Final thoughts & recipe card summary 🧾
Simple Baked Ranch Chicken is a delicious, fuss-free recipe that proves you don’t need a ton of ingredients or time to make something truly satisfying. With just 6 simple ingredients and 30 minutes in the oven, you get a cheesy, creamy dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
For more protein-rich ideas, check out this article on chicken as a healthy food, and don’t forget to explore this Pinterest board full of meal ideas for inspiration beyond tonight’s dinner.
PrintSimple Baked Ranch Chicken
This Simple Baked Ranch Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It uses tender boneless chicken breasts coated with a rich blend of ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (fresh or thawed)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (approx. 1 oz)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
½ cup sour cream (or substitute with Greek yogurt)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the baking dish in a single layer.
Step 3: Make the ranch topping
In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
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1 packet ranch seasoning
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup mayonnaise
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½ cup sour cream
Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble
Spoon the ranch-cheese mixture over each chicken breast, spreading evenly with a spatula or spoon to fully coat.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and/or mayonnaise.
Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach under the chicken before baking for a complete one-pan meal.
Try variations like adding turkey bacon crumbles or using spicy ranch seasoning for extra kick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes per portion.