Description
Creamy ranch cream cheese chicken delivers comfort on a plate, blending zesty flavors with tender protein. Hearty home cooking meets simple ingredients, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheeses:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then carefully sear chicken breasts until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, creating a delicious exterior crust.
- Blend softened cream cheese with ranch seasoning in a mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture reaches a uniform, creamy consistency.
- Generously apply the seasoned cream cheese mixture across the surface of each chicken breast, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Liberally distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer, creating a rich and melty topping.
- Transfer the prepared chicken breasts into the greased baking dish, positioning them carefully to ensure even cooking.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- Extract the dish from the oven, allow a brief resting period, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F for perfect doneness without drying out.
- Opt for low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar to create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
- Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result, especially for those who prefer darker meat.
- Add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or sliced green onions for extra flavor and texture variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-34 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg