There’s something magical about a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, and Baked Ranch Chicken is just that! Tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful ranch coating that’s crispy on the outside and oh-so-moist on the inside. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just because you want something comforting, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. It’s that good!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Baked Ranch Chicken
If you’re looking for a dish that’s full of flavor, simple to make, and perfect for busy weeknights, this one checks all the boxes. Here’s why this baked ranch chicken is a must-try:
Versatile: Pair it with anything—whether it’s mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad, this chicken works with just about anything you’ve got on hand.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients for this one! With just a few pantry staples, you can make a meal everyone will love.
Quick and Easy: The best part? You can get this in the oven with minimal prep time and let it bake while you go about your day. It’s a total win for busy evenings!
Customizable: Want a little extra spice? Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer it mild? Just stick to the ranch seasoning and you’re good to go.
Crowd-Pleasing: This chicken is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or parties.
Ingredients
Let’s keep it simple! Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful baked ranch chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, ensuring tenderness and quick cooking.
- Ranch Seasoning: The star of the show! The classic ranch seasoning gives this dish its signature flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: For a crispy, golden coating that’s just irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: A little grated parmesan adds a savory depth of flavor and a gorgeous golden crust.
- Olive Oil: Helps everything crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste and bring all the flavors together.
(Note: The full ingredients list with measurements is available in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on this simple and delicious chicken:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it hot enough to get that crispy crust!
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese. In another bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts to help the coating stick.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the olive oil, making sure it’s fully coated, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s well-covered.
Bake to Perfection: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
How to Serve Baked Ranch Chicken
Baked Ranch Chicken is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make your meal even more fantastic:
With Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with some roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli for a colorful, healthy side dish.
With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes are the perfect match for the crispy chicken.
With a Side Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the chicken.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:
Prep Ahead: Coat the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
Add Spice: If you like heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the breadcrumb mixture.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the coating crispy.
Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for doubling! Make extra for meal prep or to feed a crowd.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time since they may take a little longer to cook.
Q2: Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
A2: Absolutely! If you have homemade ranch seasoning, feel free to use it in place of the store-bought version.
Q3: Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
A3: Yes! You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating or even crushed crackers for a different texture.
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A4: You can coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It’ll save you time on the day of cooking.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the coating crispy.
Q6: Can I freeze the coated chicken before baking?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the coated chicken breasts before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, cook from frozen—just add a little extra time.
Q7: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A7: Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
Q8: How can I make this dish even more flavorful?
A8: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant, herby twist.
Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure the ranch seasoning is gluten-free for a delicious gluten-free version of this dish.
Q10: How can I make this ranch chicken more cheesy?
A10: Add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top of the chicken in the last few minutes of baking for a melty, cheesy finish.
Conclusion
And that’s it—Baked Ranch Chicken! It’s an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or for a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed hit. Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness of this chicken, and get ready for some serious flavor!
Baked Ranch Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Here’s the formatted recipe for your website:
Title: Baked Ranch Chicken
Description:
This Baked Ranch Chicken is coated with ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, and crispy panko breadcrumbs, resulting in a flavorful and moist chicken. The panko crust seals in the juiciness, making it an easy and delicious meal!
Ingredients
- 1 oz packet ranch seasoning or dip mix
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Mayo Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning and mayonnaise. Set aside. - Prepare the Bread Crumb Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, melted butter, and salt. - Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken breast into the mayonnaise mixture, then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, evenly coating the chicken with the breadcrumbs. - Bake the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken breasts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes. - Check for Doneness:
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. It should read at least 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 408
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg