Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge in ranch seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Remove and set aside: Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Make the cream sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Broil for extra color: For a bubbly, golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chicken with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy the Cheesy Ranch Chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad.
Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor: You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a little kick.
- For a creamy variation: Substitute some of the heavy cream with sour cream or cream cheese for a tangy twist.
- Use boneless thighs: For a different texture, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ranch Chicken is a simple yet irresistible dish that combines creamy ranch flavors with melted cheese for a comforting meal. With minimal prep and easy cooking steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal!
Feel free to customize the recipe to your taste or dietary preferences. Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful chicken!