Keto Baked Cheesy Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe
Introduction
This Keto Baked Cheesy Ranch Chicken Thighs recipe is a flavorful, low-carb meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken thighs are topped with a creamy blend of ranch seasoning and cheeses, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 1 packet Ranch Seasoning (dry mix)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat for keto)
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until creamy and well mixed.
- Step 4: Spread the cheesy ranch mixture evenly over each chicken thigh to coat them thoroughly.
- Step 5: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Try adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the cheese mixture for added freshness.
- Substitute the cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the cheese topping crisp, reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes is recommended.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be aware that they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust baking time accordingly and monitor moisture closely.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, this recipe includes mayonnaise, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese which all contain dairy. For a dairy-free version, you would need alternative substitutes for these ingredients.
PrintKeto Baked Cheesy Ranch Chicken Thighs Recipe
This Keto Baked Cheesy Ranch Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs baked under a creamy, flavorful cheesy ranch mixture, perfect for a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet. Easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness, it’s an ideal dish for dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Keto
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
Cheesy Ranch Topping
- 1 packet Ranch Seasoning (dry mix)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat for keto)
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Make Cheesy Ranch Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the dry ranch seasoning packet, full-fat mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Coat Chicken: Evenly spread the cheesy ranch mixture over each chicken thigh, making sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheesy topping is golden brown and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
Notes
- Use full-fat mayonnaise to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your preferences.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Keto chicken, cheesy ranch chicken, baked chicken thighs, low carb dinner, keto dinner, cheesy chicken thighs, ranch seasoning chicken
