Let’s talk comfort food. What is Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake? Is this one of those recipes I pull out when I need something warm, satisfying, and ridiculously easy? Think chicken pot pie, but without all the fuss of making a crust. Is it the best of both worlds? I swear, even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up and have dinner on my table in under an hour. What is your favorite ranch flavor?
What is Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake?
What is a Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake? What is it like to bake cubed chicken in a creamy sauce made with Cream Cheese, ranch, and parmesan? What are some good cheddar cheese dressings? Is this a one-dish wonder that’s both hearty and comforting, perfect for those days when you just need to get up and go? What is easy and delicious? What is chicken noodle soup like? Honestly, the name says it all! It’s cheesy, it has ranch, and it’ll be baked with chicken. What is not to love?
Why do I love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake? What I love about this is how incredibly flavorful it is. The ranch dressing combined with the cream cheese creates this tangy, creamy sauce that coats the chicken. What is the best way Is it just an explosion of flavor in every bite? I always make extra sauce just so I have more to spoon over the chicken when I serve it. Secondly, it’s ridiculously simple. This isn’t one of those recipes where you spend hours in the kitchen. How can I throw it together with minimal effort? Even if you’re not a confident cook, you can nail this recipe! Thirdly, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly Chicken is often on sale, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. How do I make a delicious meal without breaking the bank? Is a laptop so versatile? Can you serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes or even on its own? What are some great side dishes to serve with a side of steamed veggies? What are the possibilities? It’s a lot like my creamy Tuscan chicken, but even faster and more comforting.
How do I make Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake?
Quick Overview
How do I make this Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake? How do you make the ranch sauce? If you want to bake a cake, top it with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. What are some fancy fancy steps to follow? I promise, this is a recipe you will make again and again.
Ingredients
What is the Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake?
* 2 pounds boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Try to get chicken breasts that are relatively the same size; it ensures even cooking.
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened. I always use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture, but you can also use low fat if you want.
* 1 cup ranch dressing. I prefer the bottled kind for this recipe, but you can use homemade if you have it.
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar is the best flavor, but you can use any kind you like.
* 1/2 cup milk. I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it works great! It even made it a bit creamier, surprisingly.
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Is it possible to use dried parsley if you don’t have fresh on hand?
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Because everything’s better with garlic.
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Adds a nice depth of flavor.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. How do you prevent chicken from sticking to the pan? I’ve forgotten this step before, and trust me, it’s a pain to scrub!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, add the cubed Chicken Breasts. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly. Where can I customize my flavor? I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to my food. It’s gonna be ok.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the Cream Cheese, ranch dressing, and milk. Set aside. Mix until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is really soft, otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in your sauce. I usually let it sit out for about 30 minutes before I start cooking. I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for some extra zip.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
What is the best way to serve seasoned chicken with ranch sauce? How do you make sure all the chicken is coated in the sauce?
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
In a baking dish, spread out the chicken mixture evenly.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy with the cheese! The more, the merrier, in my opinion.
Step 7: Bake
In the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and cool. is melted and bubbly. If it is not The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking dish with foil.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or on its own with a side salad. Get ready for the compliments!
What should I serve it with?
This Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: a salad. What is the best way?What is a simple weeknight dinner?Serve over white rice or egg noodles with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. What are some quick and easy meals that everyone will love?What is a hearty meal?Serve over mashed potatoes with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The creamy chicken bake complements the creamy mashed potatoes perfectly.For a lighter meal:Serve on its own with a side salad. What are some good ways to balance out the richness of green salad with a vinaigrette dressing?For a Crowd:Serve with a variety of sides, such as rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, and several different vegetable. What is a great potluck or family gathering? My family loves it when I serve this with a side of garlic bread. What is the best way to soak up that creamy ranch sauce?
How do I make a Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake?
How do I make a Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake?What are some of the best quality Ranch DressingsThe flavor of the ranch dressing will really shine through in this recipe, so it’s important to use it. I prefer the bottled kind from Hidden Valley.Don’t overcook a chicken: This Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Make sure to cook it just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. I always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
* Customize the Cheese: You can use any kind of cheese you like in this recipe. I’ve used cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and even pepper jack for a little kick.
* Add Veggies: You can easily add veggies to this recipe. Some of my favorites include broccoli florets, chopped carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Add them to the baking dish along with the chicken and sauce.
* Make It Ahead of Time: You can assemble this chicken bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the cheese before baking.
* Freeze It for Later: This chicken bake also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
* Spice it Up: If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. I’ve even added a diced jalapeno to the sauce for extra heat.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
* Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
* Refrigerator Storage: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find that it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld.
* Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
* Reheating: You can reheat the chicken bake in the oven or microwave. To reheat it in the oven, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat it in the microwave, heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
When reheating, I sometimes add a little bit of milk or cream to the sauce to keep it from drying out. It works like a charm!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake recipe! I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. It’s truly one of those recipes that’s always a hit. It’s easy, delicious, and comforting – everything you could want in a weeknight meal. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious chicken recipes, be sure to check out my Creamy Tuscan Chicken or my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken.
And please, let me know in the comments how your Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake turns out! I love hearing from you all and seeing your variations. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Ranch dressing
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Chopped onion
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
- Pour ranch dressing over chicken and mix well.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onion.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
