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High Protein Ranch Chicken Bake - Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts), trimmed
  • Ranch seasoning: 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning (store-bought packet or homemade)
  • Greek yogurt: 1 cup plain nonfat or 2% Greek yogurt
  • Cream cheese: 3 ounces softened light cream cheese (or full-fat if preferred)
  • Parmesan: 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shredded cheese: 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for color)
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust if your ranch mix is salty)
  • Chives or green onions: 2 tablespoons, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup chopped broccoli florets or bell pepper strips
  • Cooking spray for the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin coat of olive oil.
  2. Butterfly or pound the chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to about 3/4-inch thickness or slice them in half horizontally if they’re very thick. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the chicken: Drizzle breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika over both sides. Lay them in the baking dish in a single layer. If using veggies, tuck them around the chicken.
  4. Make the ranch topping: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cream cheese, Parmesan, remaining 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and garlic until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  5. Spread and top: Spoon the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
  6. Bake: Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you want extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  7. Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced chives or green onions before serving.
  8. Serve: Pair with a simple side like roasted green beans, a mixed salad, or quinoa for a complete high-protein plate.