Cheddar Ranch Chicken is an easy to make chicken recipe that is perfect for dinner. Juicy chicken with ranch dressing and cheddar cheese on top that bakes in the oven for an easy dinner.
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe
Cheddar ranch chicken that is baked in the oven this easy low carb chicken recipe will soon be a family favorite. Even if your family is not low carb, they are going to love this ranch chicken recipe. This ranch chicken recipe has been a staple in our meal plan for a long time and is a family favorite.
If you are looking for a quick and easy baked chicken recipe that is full of flavor then you are going to love this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe. When I am running short on time, this Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe is quick to put together and pop in the oven to bake.
I can prep this dinner quickly or have one of the older kids prep dinner and then toss it in the oven. Then make a quick veggie or two to go with it and dinner is done!
This Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe has an amazing topping made with cheddar cheese, mayo, ranch and garlic. If you are thinking it is a little bit odd to have mayo because you don’t like mayo I will tell you that you can not even tell it was used once you bake the chicken. The mayo makes this ranch chicken recipe super moist!
Can you use chicken breasts with this recipe?
The reason I use chicken thighs when cooking is because they cook faster then chicken breasts. On busy nights I don’t have the time to prep chicken breasts or cut them thinner so they can cook faster. So my easy solution is to buy chicken thighs that are smaller, thinner and they cook much faster!
I use boneless and skinless chicken breasts the majority of the time I am making this ranch chicken recipe. I have used chicken thighs with the bone in them when I have found them on sale for a steal and the recipe works well. Just be sure to take off the skin when you are making them or the chicken will not have the flavors.
You can use chicken breasts in this recipe. To use chicken breasts for this recipe you will want to make sure they are thin sliced or you will want to bake the chicken longer to make sure the chicken is cooked all the way.
You can also use bone in chicken thighs when making this ranch chicken, we just prefer not to have to deal with the bone.
Can I use Ranch Dressing instead of powdered ranch seasoning?
If you do not have ranch powdered seasoning then you can use liquid ranch dressing, however it will add more liquid and does not have as strong of a ranch flavor.
What to serve with Ranch Chicken Thighs
When making cheddar ranch chicken for dinner, it depends on my mood for what sides I make with it. I love making veggies to go with it and a salad. Normally my go to veggies are whole roasted cauliflower, microwave baked sweet potato, Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
If you are looking for more sides to go with it, my kids also love Garlic Rice (Made even easier if you use a rice cooker). If you want super simple, use a veggie steamer and make some steamed broccoli and top with butter!
Chicken Ranch Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs.
- garlic.
- mayo.
- cheddar cheese.
- ranch dressing.
If you are Keto or prefer not to use packaged ranch dressing you can easily use your favorite homemade ranch dressing instead of the package ranch dressing.
How to make Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe
It is really easy to make this ranch chicken. In a large bowl mix the ranch packet, garlic, cheese, and mayo.
Place your chicken in the baking dish. When I bake my cheddar ranch chicken in the oven I use a baking dish. I prefer to use one that is deeper because there are a lot of juices that end up at the end when you bake chicken thighs.
Then spread the mixture on top of the chicken.
Bake your chicken in the oven while you make a quick side dish and dinner is done!
Easy Chicken Recipes
- Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
- Spinach Artichoke Chicken
- Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
- Green Chili Chicken
- Panko Crusted Chicken
Kitchen Basics
These are essentials for pretty much every recipe! They also make great gifts for those just starting to cook or moving out on their own.
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs about 8 chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 packet ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400.
- In a large bowl mix together your garlic, mayo, cheese and ranch.
- Spray a glass baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Place chicken thighs in the baking dish.
- Spread mixture on top of chicken thighs.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 400.
Video
25 WeightWatchers SmartPoints on the Freestyle Program
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Comments & Reviews
Susan Verba says
RE: Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs, do you use boneless thighs?
Stephanie says
yes i have
Tanya says
I’m in Australia.. regional area.. how do u make the ranch seasoning ?? We have ranch salad dressing but not ranch seasoning
MidgetMomma says
I use the dry version of the salad dressing.
Karen says
You can buy it from epicure not sure if you guys have it there or not… But it’s a space…
Stephanie says
https://www.midgetmomma.com/homemade-ranch-seasoning-mix/
DVanCamp says
What would you suggest in place of the mayo for those who cannot eat it due to dietary restrictions.
Would egg or something similar work instead?
Stephanie says
You could try greek yougurt
Robin says
I used two chicken breasts and cut them in half. This was so easy and delicious. My husband is very picky but tonight he had seconds! This will definitely be on our favorite list of dishes .
Ann says
You sprinkled something green on it at the end of the video but it’s not mentioned anywhere in the directions or recipe…what was that?
Stephanie says
That’s just parsley its not need it just to give it something green to make it not look so bland, restaurants do it all the time.
Elaine says
30 minutes is not long enough. Should do 45 probably.
Betty R Moerke says
I find 30 min’s isn’t long enough either. I’m gonna bake mine at least 45 to and hour.
Gabrielle says
How much ranch dressing would you use in place of the dry packet?
Stephanie says
I personly wouldnt replace the two, this is being used for the seasoning not the liquid.
Donna says
I know why Gabrielle was asking because you can buy the dry mix in a larger canister. So, she’s wondering how many tsps/tblsps to replace 1 packet!
Donna says
It’s 3 tablespoons.
Tina says
So easy. Tender, juicy. Will surely make this again! Baked for 40 minutes.
Brett says
What do you recommend serving this with? Side dishes?
Lauren says
Just about any veggies works as a great side dish 🙂
Meagan says
What can I use instead of mayo? I’m all out!
Stephanie says
Im not sure if there is anything different you can use.
Mccoya says
I used plain nonfat Greek yogurt because I’m on weight watchers and it was amazing.
Lisa says
That looks so good!
Liz says
Hi. Could I make this ahead of time and leave in fridge until I can pop in the oven?
Stephanie says
Yes you can
Tonie says
Can sour cream be used in place of the mayo?
Stephanie says
I haven’t tried but it sounds like it would work.
Jasmine says
Do you bake covered or uncovered?
Stephanie says
Yes
Michelle says
yes covered or yes uncovered?
Stephanie says
uncovered
Sofia says
So covered or uncovered?
Stephanie says
uncovered
Cathy says
Made it tonight for dinner and it was a huge hit. It will now be a regular for us. Super easy, quick to make and little to clean up.
Angie says
I cooked mine in crock pot
Dane says
This recipe is a new fav! I use my air fryer though. I brush the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle ranch seasoning on both sides air fry for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. You have to put the topping on half way through if you don’t want it to burn (although it’s still delicious even with burnt cheese)
Dina Scarber says
Just made this and it was the bomb! So easy!
Valerie C Tinney says
Just made this and loved it. Used two chicken breasts. Pounded them to about 1/2 an inch. Baked at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. They were perfect and delicious.
Connie D says
Made this for supper. We decided to save it for lunch tomorrow but we tasted it. It was very good and I will make it again! We are iced in from a freak snow/ice storm here in the south! Nothing much to do except cook and sit and wait for it to melt. 5 days of this is crazy. We have not had snow and ice and single digits like this since 1983. We are not equipped for this. Thank you for sharing this recipe. It was very easy and quick!
Jay says
Can I use skin on chicken thighs?
Stephanie says
Yes, but the skin will be rubbery.