Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake

Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake An Easy Comfort Food Recipe

This Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food An easy ranch chicken recipe thats ready in under an hour Get the familyfriendly recipe ... Family-Friendly Dishes

Recipe Introduction

Hey folks! Ever stare into the fridge wondering what to cook? I know I do!

Today, we're diving into a super simple and tasty dish: a ranch chicken recipe that’s creamy, comforting and oh-so-easy. It’s got that classic tangy ranch flavour that everyone loves!

What is Ranch Chicken Recipe?

This creamy ranch chicken bake is based on a classic. It is a staple of American cuisine. It is simple to make.

We're talking minimal effort for maximum flavour. Total time is under an hour! This recipe makes 4 servings. Perfect for a family meal.

Main Benefits of the Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake

Let's talk benefits. This comfort food chicken is packed with protein. It's great after a workout. It's also perfect for a busy weeknight chicken dinner .

Honestly, what makes this recipe special? The ease! It’s so straightforward. It’s perfect for beginner cooks.

Okay, let's get this chicken dinner party started! The ranch dressing does all the work. It is creamy! It’s tangy! And it’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

This recipe is inspired from Hidden Valley Ranch Chicken Recipe .

Gather Up Those Ingredients

Time for the ingredients list! You'll need chicken breasts. You will also need dry ranch seasoning. Sour cream, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese are essentials. Plus, a few pantry staples. Easy peasy!

Now, let’s move on to how to whip up this deliciousness. Ready?

Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake Recipe Card

Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake An Easy Comfort Food Recipe Recipe Card
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Preparation time:15 Mins
Cooking time:35 Mins
Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Nutrition Facts

Calories:500
Fat:35g
Fiber:2g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course
Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Okay, let's get this chicken dinner party started! This creamy ranch chicken bake is seriously easy. Even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen, you can nail this.

Honestly, this ranch chicken recipe is foolproof.

Main Ingredients for Your Ranch Chicken with Sour Cream

Here’s what you'll need. Don't worry, it's all pretty standard stuff. We're making this easy ranch chicken recipe tonight!

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Make sure they’re plump and juicy, not those sad, pale ones.
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Kosher salt is my go-to.
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) . Freshly ground is always better.
  • Ranch Seasoning: 1 (1 ounce/28g) package dry ranch seasoning mix. Hidden Valley ranch chicken recipe it is, baby!
  • Sour Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Full-fat is the way to go here. It makes the sauce extra creamy.
  • Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Don't skimp on the good stuff.
  • Milk: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Any kind will do.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) grated. Freshly grated is best, but the pre-grated stuff works in a pinch. Optional: Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish. For that comfort food chicken look.

Seasoning Notes: That Ranch Goodness

The ranch seasoning is the star. But you can tweak things! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce. It’s all about those ranch chicken variations . The parmesan cheese adds a lovely saltiness.

Equipment Needed for Easy Ranch Chicken Recipe

You really don’t need much for this baked ranch chicken .

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish: Glass or ceramic works great.
  • Large Bowl: For mixing the sauce.
  • Whisk: To get that sauce nice and smooth.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Gotta get those measurements right!

Honestly, if you don’t have a whisk, a fork will do. A bowl is a bowl, and the baking dish is essential for this ranch chicken casserole .

Just get creative, This weeknight chicken dinner is simple. So there you have it. Now you're ready to rock this! I like to use my cast-iron pan for the chicken before baking it.

Adds a nice crust.

Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake presentation

Cooking Method: Baking Creamy Ranch Chicken

Okay, let's get this chicken dinner party started! I'm going to walk you through baking creamy ranch chicken , the easy way.

Honestly, it's so simple, you could probably do it with your eyes closed – but please don't!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Friend

First, the mise en place . It's fancy chef talk for "get your stuff ready." Dice and grate first to save time later.

  • Essential mise en place: Get your four chicken breasts ready. Measure out one ounce of ranch seasoning, one cup of sour cream, a half-cup of mayo, a quarter-cup of milk, and a quarter-cup of grated Parmesan. You can find an easy ranch chicken recipe with all the measurements online if you are unsure.
  • Time-saving tip: Pre-grated Parmesan is fine. No judgement here. It saves time.
  • Safety reminder: Always wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken. You know? Food safety and all that.

Step-by-Step: Bake that Chicken!

Here's how to transform boring chicken into ranch chicken with sour cream heaven. Follow these instructions to get an amazing baked ranch chicken .

  1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Don't skip this!
  2. Season your chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. One tablespoon of olive oil, one teaspoon of salt, and one-half teaspoon of pepper.
  3. Brown the chicken in a pan for 2- 3 minutes per side. It makes it taste better, trust me.
  4. Mix the ranch seasoning, sour cream, mayo, milk, and Parmesan in a bowl.
  5. Place the chicken in a 9x13 inch baking dish and pour the sauce over.
  6. Bake for 30- 35 minutes , or until it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
  7. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if you are feeling fancy.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Want to take your ranch chicken casserole game to the next level? Here are some secrets.

  • Expert tip: Sear the chicken first. Seriously, the flavor is worth it.
  • Common mistake: Overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer. I cannot stress this enough.
  • Make-ahead option: You can mix the sauce earlier in the day and refrigerate. That will give you an amazing weeknight chicken dinner . If you are looking for the best hidden valley ranch chicken recipe , here's a secret: Don't be afraid to experiment with the type of ranch seasoning that you use.

There you have it! Your ticket to delicious, simple comfort food chicken . Enjoy! It's one of those chicken breast recipes easy enough for any weeknight.

You could even try some ranch chicken variations next time.

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake

Okay, let's get this chicken dinner party started! Before you dive headfirst into this easy ranch chicken recipe , let's chat about some key bits.

These little nuggets of wisdom will make your ranch chicken with sour cream experience even better. Honestly, these are things I've learned the hard way.

You know?

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Presentation matters, even on a weeknight chicken dinner ! For plating this comfort food chicken , try slicing the baked ranch chicken breasts and fanning them out on a plate.

Drizzle extra creamy ranch chicken bake sauce over the top. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds a pop of colour.

For sides, steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes pair beautifully with this dish. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the ranch chicken casserole , trust me.

Drink-wise, think a crisp white wine or even a cold beer.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers of this ranch chicken recipe ? No worries! This hidden valley ranch chicken recipe is just as good, if not better, the next day.

Refrigeration: Store the cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: While you can freeze it, the sauce might change texture a bit. If you do, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.

Variations: Remixing the Ranch

Want to shake things up with these ranch chicken variations ?

  • Dietary Adaptation: For a lighter version, use light sour cream and mayonnaise. You could also swap out the mayo for plain yogurt or avocado mayonnaise.
  • Seasonal Swap: In the summer, use fresh herbs like dill or tarragon in your ranch sauce for a brighter flavour. In the autumn, add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

This ranch chicken recipe is a good source of protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Simplified nutrition information per serving: Calories: 450-550 (estimated).

Protein: 40-50g . Fat: 30-40g . Carbohydrates: 5-10g . The chicken breast recipes easy recipe is packed with protein! The creamy sauce adds fats for satiety.

It is an amazing ranch chicken with sour cream

Overall, this ranch chicken recipe makes for a fab weeknight chicken dinner . Get in the kitchen and give it a go! I think you will like this ranch chicken bake .

Creamy Ranch Chicken A Delicious Weeknight Dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ranch chicken recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep components of this ranch chicken recipe in advance! Mix the ranch sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also brown the chicken ahead of time. When you're ready to bake, simply assemble everything in the baking dish and pop it in the oven. Just like getting a takeaway, a little prep can save you the hassle later.

How do I store leftover ranch chicken?

Leftover Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, it's best to gently warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating. No one wants a soggy bottom, so avoid overheating!

I'm watching my calories - is there a lighter version of this ranch chicken recipe?

Absolutely! To lighten up this ranch chicken recipe, use light sour cream and mayonnaise. You can also swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and extra protein. Serve with plenty of veggies, like steamed broccoli or a big salad, to round out the meal without adding extra calories. It's like having your cake and eating it!

What can I serve with this Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake?

This Creamy Ranch Chicken Bake is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Steamed broccoli or green beans are classic choices. For a more substantial meal, mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes are always a hit. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken. It's a proper Sunday roast sort of situation, but easier!

Can I add bacon to this Ranch Chicken recipe?

You absolutely can! Adding bacon to this Ranch Chicken recipe makes it a Bacon Ranch Chicken Bake. Sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon over the chicken before baking for a smoky, savory twist. The bacon adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture that complements the creamy ranch sauce perfectly. Everything is better with bacon isn't it!

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