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Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs are juicy and full of flavor! These thighs are coated in tasty ranch seasoning and covered in gooey cheddar cheese that melts just right.
Who can resist that cheesy goodness? Every bite is like a party for your taste buds! 🎉 I love to serve them with some veggies or rice to soak up all that yummy sauce!
Making these is as easy as 1-2-3! Just season, bake, and enjoy a delicious meal without any fuss. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe. They stay juicy and flavorful while cooking. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use boneless, skinless thighs, although you might need to adjust the cooking time.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is a key flavor in the dish! If you don’t have a packet on hand, make a homemade version using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mayonnaise: It creates a creamy texture that helps keep the chicken moist. You can swap it out with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative, or even vegan mayo if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a wonderfully rich flavor. If you’re not a fan of sharp, try mild cheddar or even a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and mozzarella for extra creaminess.
How Can You Ensure the Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret to juicy chicken thighs lies in properly coating them and baking at the right temperature. Start by patting the chicken dry—this helps the coating stick better. Then, make sure to apply the mayo mixture evenly for full flavor!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create a hot environment that cooks the chicken quickly and evenly.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature after 30 minutes. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat, and that’s when the thighs will be perfectly cooked.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps keep the juices inside, making every bite tender and delicious.
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Yummy Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs
What You’ll Need:
- 4-6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and about 30-35 minutes to bake, making a total of around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, versatile, and the result is absolutely mouthwatering!
Instructions:
Alright, let’s get started! First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is going to ensure that everything cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden color.
While the oven is heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth—this is your flavorful coating!
Next, pat the chicken thighs dry with some paper towels. This helps the skin get nice and crispy! Place them snugly in a baking dish. You want them to have a bit of space, but not too much.
Now, take that yummy mayonnaise mixture and rub it all over the chicken thighs. Make sure they’re well coated—this is where all the flavor comes from!
Time to sprinkle on the cheese! Generously add the shredded sharp cheddar on top of each thigh. The more cheese, the better, right?
For an extra boost of flavor and moisture, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of those beauties.
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for that internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and a golden brown, bubbly cheese topping. The smell in your kitchen is going to be amazing!
Once it’s all cooked, take the dish out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy and flavorful. Then, take a moment to garnish your dish with some chopped fresh parsley for that pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve these delightful Cheddar Ranch Chicken Thighs hot with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Skinless Chicken Thighs?
Yes, you can! Cooking with skinless chicken thighs will reduce the fat content, but they may be a bit less moist. To ensure they stay juicy, you might want to increase the baking time slightly, monitoring the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative or don’t have mayonnaise on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt. It will still provide creaminess and a bit of tang. Consider mixing in a little bit of olive oil to help with moisture if needed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them from drying out, add a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil before sealing the container. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe with Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes, as they typically cook faster than thighs. Again, make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they’re safe to eat!
