Lightened-Up Cheesy Ranch Chicken –

Creamy, Crave-Worthy, and WW-Friendly!

If you love the rich, indulgent flavors of ranch and cheese but want to stick to your health goals, this Lightened-Up Cheesy Ranch Chicken is calling your name! With all the creamy, savory goodness of a comfort food classic—minus the excess calories—this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and anyone following a Weight Watchers-friendly lifestyle.

Ready in under an hour and packed with 35 grams of protein per serving, it’s hearty, delicious, and surprisingly guilt-free.

🍽️ What Makes This Recipe a Win?

• ✅ WW-Friendly – Only 5 SmartPoints per serving

• ✅ High in protein, low in carbs

• ✅ Easy to prep and perfect for weeknights

• ✅ Totally customizable with veggies or spice

• ✅ Family-approved comfort food that won’t derail your goals

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 4 Servings)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 oz each)

• 1/2 cup fat-free ranch dressing

• 1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.

🍗 Step 2: Season and Arrange Chicken

• Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Lay them flat in the prepared dish.

🧀 Step 3: Make the Cheesy Ranch Sauce

• In a bowl, mix:

  • Fat-free ranch dressing

  • Softened cream cheese

  • Ranch seasoning mix

  • Shredded cheddar

• Stir until smooth and well combined.

• Spread this creamy mixture evenly over each chicken breast.

🔄 Step 4: Bake

• Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

• Then, remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• The top should be melty, golden, and bubbly.

🌿 Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions (optional).

• Serve with your favorite roasted veggies, cauliflower mash, or a fresh garden salad.

🧠 Tips & Variations

• 🔄 Swap the protein: Use boneless chicken thighs or tenders for a juicier alternative.

• 🌶 Add heat: Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or red chili flakes.

• 🥦 Veggie boost: Top with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or chopped broccoli before baking.

• 🧊 Make-ahead friendly: Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

🧮 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250

• Protein: 35g

• Carbs: 4g

• Fat: 12g

• WW SmartPoints: 5 (based on most current WW plans)

Points may vary based on specific brands and ingredients—be sure to plug it into your WW app for precision!