Description
Savory cheddar ranch chicken thighs bring southern comfort straight to dinner tables with irresistible flavor combinations. Crispy cheese-coated chicken delivers a mouthwatering experience packed with zesty ranch seasoning that guarantees smiles around your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Cooking and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare oven at 400F (200C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure seasoning adheres properly.
- Massage olive oil across entire surface of chicken thighs, creating an even coating.
- Generously dust ranch seasoning mix over oiled chicken, pressing gently to help spices adhere.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Distribute shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of each chicken thigh, covering most of the surface.
- Transfer baking dish to preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant garnish and added flavor.
- Serve hot, enjoying the melted cheese and ranch-infused crispy chicken skin.
Notes
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F (75C) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- Swap ranch seasoning with homemade blend for lower sodium content and more personalized flavor profile.
- Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help crispy skin develop and enhance cheese adherence during baking.
- Consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a leaner option that still maintains delicious flavor and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 473 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg