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Golden brown Creamy Garlic Chicken and Potatoes baked in a rich herb sauce in a white casserole dish.

Creamy Ranch Chicken Thighs Bake

This incredibly easy and flavorful Creamy Ranch Chicken Thighs Bake features tender chicken smothered in a rich, tangy ranch sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special meal. A truly effortless one-pan dish!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 475
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken thighs about 6-8 thighs
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste
For the Creamy Ranch Sauce
  • 4 oz Cream cheese softened, half a standard block
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream full-fat recommended
  • 1 oz Dry ranch seasoning mix one standard packet
  • 1/4 cup Milk any kind, or chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese or Colby Jack, optional for topping
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley or chives chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, dry ranch seasoning mix, milk (or chicken broth), garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
Baking
  1. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Spoon the creamy ranch sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbly.
  4. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken during the last 5-7 minutes of baking, or until melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, you can briefly broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Serving
  1. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
  2. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also add some cooked bacon bits over the top with the cheese for a 'bacon ranch' twist. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.