Description
Tender, juicy chicken thighs baked in a garlicky, herbaceous ranch cream sauce. Top with melted cheddar cheese and serve this weeknight hero for a comforting, family-approved meal that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 oz dry ranch seasoning mix (or homemade blend of seasoned salt, dried dill, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp yellow mustard powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp butter and sear chicken thighs, skin-side down, 5-7 minutes per side (or until golden brown and skin is crispy). Remove from pan
In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter. Sauté garlic 1 minute.
Stir in ranch seasoning, dill, onion powder, mustard powder, and salt. Cook 30 seconds to blend flavors
Pour in heavy cream and simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened
Return chicken to skillet. Spoon cream sauce over thighs and sprinkle with cheddar cheese
Transfer to oven and bake 20-25 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is bubbly and golden
Notes
For boneless thighs, reduce baking time by 10 minutes
Chicken breasts can be used instead but cook faster (15-18 minutes)
Homemade ranch seasoning: Combine 1 tbsp dried dill, 1 tbsp dried parsley, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika
Heavy cream can be substituted with 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup for a lighter version
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg