Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight meal that’s bursting with bold flavor and creamy comfort, look no further than Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken. This dish delivers tender baked chicken breasts smothered in a tangy, spicy buffalo ranch sauce, all finished with gooey melted mozzarella and a pop of fresh green onions. Whether you’re a fan of classic buffalo flavors or simply need a crowd-pleaser that comes together in a snap, this Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken is about to earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this vibrant, crave-worthy chicken lies in its handful of straightforward ingredients—each one bringing something special to the table. Get ready for a harmony of spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements that make Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless for ultimate ease and perfect soaking up of flavors.
- Buffalo wing sauce: This is the ingredient that brings the signature heat and tang you crave; feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade.
- Ranch dressing: Creamy and herby, ranch cools the buffalo heat and adds dreamy richness to every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts lusciously over the chicken for that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Chopped green onions: Sprinkled on at the end, they bring a burst of fresh color and a mild onion bite.
- Salt and pepper: A pinch of each brings out all the savory flavors; always season to taste.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your chicken bakes up beautifully without sticking, for stress-free serving.
How to Make Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F; this is the sweet spot for juicy chicken and bubbling cheese. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in the prepared dish and season them on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step unlocks so much flavor from the get-go, making sure every bite of Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken is well seasoned.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Ranch Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing until smooth and fully combined. This magic duo blends spicy, tangy, herby, and creamy in one go. Pour the mixture evenly over all the chicken breasts—covering them ensures juicy, flavorful results.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauced chicken. As it bakes, the cheese will melt into a bubbly, irresistible layer that makes this dish extra comforting and satisfying.
Step 5: Bake to Tender Perfection
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken. This timing yields juicy, tender chicken and melted, golden cheese. Remove from the oven—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 6: Add Freshness and Serve
Right before serving, scatter the chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and a fresh, lightly sharp contrast to the richness. Serve your Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken hot and watch everyone dig in with smiles.
How to Serve Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken
Garnishes
A scattering of chopped green onions is classic, but you can also drizzle on a little extra ranch or buffalo sauce if you like things saucier. For more crunch, add a few thinly sliced celery sticks or a handful of crumbled blue cheese over the top. These simple touches take Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken to another level, making every bite burst with flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This chicken begs to be paired with cool, crisp sides that balance its bold flavors. A fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes are all perfect companions. For busy nights, serve Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken with steamed broccoli or a scoop of rice and you’ll have a balanced meal in no time.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Try slicing leftover Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken and tucking it into a sandwich roll for a magnificent hot sub, or dice it for a protein-packed salad bowl. You can even pile it atop baked potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken moist, and the flavors only get better after a night in the fridge, making for enviable leftovers!
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken by wrapping each chicken breast in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm at 350°F until heated through. For a quick lunch, a microwave works just fine—just use a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. Just watch the baking time—thighs may cook a bit quicker, so check for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
Which buffalo sauce is best?
Your favorite store-bought sauce will work great, but if you like things spicier, go for a hot version or even make your own. The beauty of this Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken is that you can totally customize the heat level.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything up to a day in advance (except for sprinkling on the green onions), cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit out while the oven preheats, add the cheese, and bake as directed.
Is Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken gluten-free?
It sure is, as long as your buffalo wing sauce and ranch dressing are confirmed gluten-free. Always check the labels if you’re preparing this for someone with dietary restrictions.
What’s the best way to get a crispier cheese topping?
If you crave a little golden-brown crunch, pop the finished dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes once baking is done. Keep a close eye so the cheese bubbles and browns without burning—the perfect finishing touch for Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken!
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to try Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken—especially on those busy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Each bite is packed with zesty, cheesy comfort the whole family will love. Let this be your go-to dinner when you crave something bold, satisfying, and truly delicious!
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Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken recipe combines the zesty flavors of buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and green onions for a deliciously cheesy and flavorful chicken dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Sauces: In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until smooth. Pour mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, use hot buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 990 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
