Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs are rather good for a tight schedule dinner, and what’s more amazing is that? You can prepare them in about 30 minutes! The main ingredient of the topping is mayonnaise—yes, I am aware of how unusual it sounds, but trust me, it is the thing that both the most tasty and creamy you have ever felt that would complete the dish.
This Cheddar Ranch Chicken recipe does nothing but impress every time I do it. The meat is full of juice, and what about the combination of ranch dressing with melted cheddar cheese on top? Oh, yes! The cookies get their perfect brown in the oven, and it is easy and cozy to have dinner in this way.
Let me tell you, then, that it is the best of the recipes for a quick dinner with a lot of flavor. Let me confirm that it will be your biggest hit!
Ingredients Used In Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – The star of the dish, juicy and flavorful.
- Sea salt – Enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
- Freshly cracked black pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
- Sour cream – Brings a creamy, tangy richness to the topping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred) – Melts beautifully and adds a bold, cheesy taste.
- Ranch seasoning (homemade or store-bought) – The key flavor booster with herbs and spices.
- Minced garlic – Gives a bold, aromatic punch to the dish.
- Green onions (minced) – Adds a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the creamy mixture.
- Avocado oil – Helps sear the chicken for a perfect texture.
- Pork rind crumbs – Creates a crispy, crunchy topping.
- Fresh parsley, dill, and green onions (optional garnish) – For added freshness and color.
- Dried parsley – Adds a mild herbal note.
- Garlic powder – Gives a deep, savory garlic flavor.
- Onion powder – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth.
- Dried dill – Brings a fresh, slightly tangy taste.
- Dried chives – Provides a mild onion-like flavor.
- Black pepper – A touch of warmth and spice.
- Salt – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
How To Cook Chedder Ranch Thighs?
Step 1: Preheat the oven:
Okay, first of all, Murray, turn on the oven to 400°F (204 celsius) and forget about it now and get it nice and hot before we get things going. Nobody wants to wait for the oven to heat up when all is prepped and ready to go, right ?
Step 2: Season the chicken:
Take a handful of the thighs, sprinkle some salt and black pepper on both sides. You just want every bite to have flavor, not just the top.” Put them aside for the time being as we prepare the good stuff.
Step 3: Prepare the topping:
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, shredded cheddar (sharp cheddar is chef’s kiss for this), ranch seasoning, minced garlic and chopped green onions. Combine everything until you get a thick, creamy, cheesy mixture that already smells great.
Step 4: Heat skillet:
Pour some avocado oil into a large cast iron skillet (10.25” or bigger). Don’t skip this — it ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice sear on the bottom. If you’re using a baking dish instead, perhaps give it a light spray of oil so nothing sticks.
Step 4: Put the chicken in the skillet:
Immediately lay those seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet, giving them some room. No crowding! We want them to cook evenly — not steam.
Step 5: Spread the topping:
Now go ahead and spread that creamy cheddar ranch mixture generously on top of each chicken thigh.
Step 6: Add the crunch:
It’s time to press the pork rind crumbs directly on that creamy layer. Press them down gently with your fingers so they stick. This is what’s going to give it that perfect crispy bite once baked, so do not skip it!
Step 7: Bake it:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Check on it—all ovens are different, so begin to check around the 20-minute mark. The goal? When checking with a meat thermometer, the thickest part of the chicken should reach at least 165°F.
Step 8: Broil to crisp up:
Okay, this is the game-changer. When the chicken is cooked through, set your oven to high broil and get for another 5 -7 min. This step is key for getting that golden, crispy top that makes this dish next-level. But watch closely—broiling can go from “perfectly crispy” to “uh-oh, burnt” real quick.
Step 9: Serve it up:
Once out of the oven, let it rest for a couple minutes (if you can resist). Then, sprinkle some fresh parsley, dill, or extra green onions on top for a lil’ pop of freshness… and boom! Dinner’s ready. Serve immediately because, let’s be real, no one wants cold cheesy chicken…
Tips For Making It More Delicious:
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the flavors stick better.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier melt.
- Press the pork rind crumbs firmly so they don’t fall off while baking.
- Broil at the end for that perfect crispy, golden-brown topping.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Cheddar Ranch Chicken recipe does nothing but impress every time I do it. The meat is full of juice, and what about the combination of ranch dressing with melted cheddar cheese on top? Oh, yes! The cookies get their perfect brown in the oven, and it is easy and cozy to have dinner in this way.
Ingredients
Ins
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
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In a bowl, mix sour cream, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic, and green onions.
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Heat a cast iron skillet with avocado oil and place the chicken thighs in it.
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Spread the cheddar ranch mixture evenly over the chicken.
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Press pork rind crumbs on top to create a crispy coating.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
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Broil for 5-7 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
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Let it rest for a couple of minutes, garnish if desired, and serve hot!
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 284kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 11g56%
- Trans Fat 7g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 907mg38%
- Potassium 155mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 1g
- Protein 17g34%
- Vitamin A 1233 IU
- Vitamin C 9 mg
- Calcium 302 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.