When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese, the tangy zest of ranch dressing, and tender chicken. Cheesy Ranch Chicken is a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, ensuring that every bite is as delightful as the last. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious dish, share some tips, and suggest variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering meal:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Cheesy Ranch Chicken
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish large enough to fit the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add the ranch dressing: Spread the ranch dressing over the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Mix the cheese and breadcrumbs: In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix well.
- Top the chicken: Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Drizzle with butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cheese and breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.