Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe: Zesty Weeknight Magic

Ranch seasoning adds a magical twist to ordinary chicken, turning a simple dinner into a crave-worthy meal.

Weeknight cooking demands quick and delicious solutions that keep everyone happy.

Succulent chicken breasts coated with zesty ranch mix promise maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Herbs and spices blend seamlessly to create a mouthwatering main course that feels both comforting and exciting.

Crispy exterior and juicy interior make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation mean you can have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in under an hour.

Dive into this easy recipe that will become your new go-to comfort food.

Why Baked Ranch Chicken Is So Popular

• Savor Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The ranch dressing mix and Parmesan cheese create an irresistible coating that makes this chicken incredibly tasty and sure to impress family and friends.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal preparation and straightforward steps mean you can have a delicious dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy households.
• Versatile Meal Option: This chicken pairs beautifully with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, giving you flexibility for different meal combinations.

What You Need For Baked Ranch Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps the coating adhere to the chicken and adds moisture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, savory flavor and helps create a crispy exterior.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: Adds tangy and herbal seasoning to enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Dry Bread Crumbs: Gives the chicken a crunchy texture and golden-brown appearance when baked.

How To Make Baked Ranch Chicken From Scratch

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for some culinary magic.

Step 2: Craft the Magical Coating

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Zesty ranch seasoning mix

Stir until everything mingles into a smooth, irresistible mixture.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

Generously massage each chicken breast with the creamy ranch blend, ensuring every inch gets a luxurious coating.

Step 4: Create a Crunchy Armor

Roll each mayo-covered chicken piece in dry bread crumbs, creating a golden, crispy exterior that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Arrange for Baking

Gently place the dressed chicken breasts in a baking dish, giving each piece some breathing room.

Step 6: Transform in the Oven

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the juices run clear and the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking, then serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Helpful Notes For Baked Ranch Chicken

• Opt for low-fat mayonnaise to reduce calories while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Swap bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before coating to help the mixture adhere better and create a crispier crust.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in moisture and enhance flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165F for safe consumption.

Easy Swaps For Baked Ranch Chicken

• Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mayonnaise mixture for a kick of heat.
• Greek-Style Chicken: Replace ranch mix with dried oregano, garlic powder, and crumbled feta cheese for Mediterranean flavors.
• Herb-Crusted Ranch Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the bread crumbs for extra herbal notes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional bread crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.

Great Sides For Baked Ranch Chicken

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Grab a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy ranch flavor and cut through the richness of the mayonnaise coating.
• Create Fresh Salad Side: Whip up a light mixed green salad with cucumber and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy chicken and add refreshing texture.
• Serve Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare roasted asparagus or broccoli with garlic and olive oil to provide a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that enhances the main dish's savory profile.
• Complement with Creamy Dip: Prepare a cool ranch or herb dip on the side for extra flavor and a fun dipping experience that echoes the ranch seasoning in the chicken.

How To Save Baked Ranch Chicken For Later

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep moisture.
• Heat individual pieces on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature.

Common Questions About Baked Ranch Chicken

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative to mayonnaise in this recipe. It will provide a similar creamy texture and help the coating stick to the chicken.

• What type of bread crumbs work best?

Panko bread crumbs are ideal for this recipe as they create a crispier, lighter coating compared to traditional bread crumbs. You can also use seasoned bread crumbs for extra flavor.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also have clear juices when pierced and appear white throughout, not pink.

Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent ranch-seasoned chicken breasts bring zesty flavor to classic comfort meals. Crispy, herb-infused coating and juicy meat create a delightful dinner that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) dry bread crumbs
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix

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Instructions

1. Prepare the zesty coating by blending creamy mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and aromatic ranch seasoning mix until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Generously slather each chicken breast with the tangy mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
3. Carefully dredge the coated chicken through dry bread crumbs, pressing gently to create a crisp, golden exterior.
4. Position the breaded chicken pieces in a clean baking dish, allowing slight spacing between each piece for optimal heat circulation.
5. Transfer the dish to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the center for consistent cooking.
6. Roast for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
7. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein, creating a lighter version of this creamy chicken dish.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds for a celiac-friendly alternative that maintains the crispy texture.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before coating to help the mixture adhere better and ensure a crunchier exterior.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle some dried herbs like thyme or basil into the coating mixture to enhance the ranch seasoning profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg