Description
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs are a deliciously creamy and flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender thighs topped with a cheesy, garlic-infused ranch mixture. Perfectly baked until golden and juicy, this recipe offers a quick and easy way to elevate your weeknight dinners with bold flavors and a crispy, cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (about 8 chicken thighs)
Cheddar Ranch Topping
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (approximately 1 ounce)
Other
- Nonstick spray for baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the chicken thighs evenly.
- Prepare the topping mixture: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing packet. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well blended into a creamy, cheesy ranch mixture.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a glass baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Arrange the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are well spaced and not overlapping for even cooking.
- Apply the cheddar ranch topping: Spread the prepared mixture evenly over the top of each chicken thigh, covering them completely to infuse flavor and create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for 30 minutes at 400°F (205°C), or until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is melted and slightly golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs depending on your preference; bone-in will require slightly longer cooking time.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or ranch seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 chicken thighs with topping)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
