Cheesy Skillet Ranch Chicken Thighs
These Cheesy Skillet Ranch Chicken Thighs are a simple, flavorful, and comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken thighs topped with melty cheese and a zesty ranch spice blend, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing choose your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin get crispy. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried dill, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken thighs, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook another 5 minutes on the other side to lock in juices.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Spoon ranch dressing evenly over each chicken thigh to infuse tangy, herby flavor as it bakes.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the chicken thighs to create a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internal temperature and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Oven
- Meat Thermometer
Notes
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and juiciness. Dry the skin before seasoning to achieve crispy crust. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish before adding ranch and cheese. Feel free to make your own ranch dressing or try different cheese varieties. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let chicken rest after baking for maximum tenderness. You can add veggies, spice it up, or make dairy-free and gluten-free variations as desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3-4 days or freeze up to 2 months.