Description
Creamy cheesy ranch chicken delivers comfort straight from midwestern kitchens with irresistible flavor combinations. Rich ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies hunger and delights palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the chicken.
- Create a robust flavor foundation by generously seasoning chicken breasts with a balanced blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Activate a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, allowing it to reach optimal temperature for searing.
- Carefully sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and enhances taste.
- Whisk together ranch dressing, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning mix in a separate bowl, forming a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Transfer seared chicken into a prepared baking dish, ensuring even spacing.
- Drizzle the ranch mixture uniformly over each chicken breast, coating them completely.
- Create a decadent cheese topping by layering cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan across the chicken surfaces.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches proper internal temperature and cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.
Notes
- Customize seasoning by using smoked paprika or Italian herbs for a flavor twist.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream to reduce calories and fat content.
- Use gluten-free ranch mix for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
- Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 512 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg