Baked Ranch Chicken

In my quest for culinary greatness (or at least edible meals), I stumbled upon a dish that changed the game forever: Easy Baked Ranch Chicken. Picture this—a tender, juicy piece of chicken smothered in zesty ranch goodness that fills your kitchen with an aroma so divine it could make even the most devoted takeout lover reconsider their life choices.

This is not just any chicken recipe; it’s one that promises to become your go-to dish for everything from cozy family dinners to last-minute gatherings. With each bite, you will experience a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds while requiring minimal effort on your part—yes, please!

I still remember the first time I made this dish. My friends were convinced I had spent hours slaving away in the kitchen when, in reality, I was lounging on the couch binge-watching my favorite show while the oven did all the work.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts depending on how many are hungry at your table.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: Grab a packet from the store or make your own if you’re feeling fancy.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle keeps things moist and adds flavor; extra virgin is my go-to.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: These add an irresistible crunch—trust me; nobody likes soggy chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle enhances flavor and gives a delightful golden crust.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of color at serving time.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that beautiful golden color.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil to keep your chicken from sticking. It’s crucial—nobody wants their masterpiece glued to the pan!

Mix Your Coatings: In a bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with ranch dressing mix and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until it resembles a sandy beach—delicious!

Coat the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over each chicken breast before generously coating them with the crumb mixture. Make sure each piece gets well covered; you want every bite bursting with flavor.

Bake It Up: Place coated chicken breasts into the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The smell wafting through your home will be pure torture!

Garnish and Serve: Once done baking, allow them to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve alongside rice or veggies for a complete meal that screams “I’m a culinary genius!”

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Coat the chicken with ranch seasoning, then bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. This order ensures juicy chicken without sacrificing flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to substitute ranch seasoning with Italian herbs or even a spicy taco mix for a kick! Toss in some veggies like carrots or potatoes for a complete meal in one pan.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to preserve its crispy texture.

Sometimes I think my family would adopt this recipe as their new national dish if they could! The compliments I receive always brighten my day and motivate me to keep creating.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for easy baked ranch chicken?

Yes, just increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes for best results.

What sides pair well with easy baked ranch chicken?

Mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad complement this dish beautifully.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Absolutely! Marinating adds extra flavor and tenderness to your easy baked ranch chicken.

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Easy Baked Ranch Chicken

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Easy Baked Ranch Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that transforms juicy chicken into a flavorful weeknight meal, perfect for busy families craving comfort food.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
3. In a bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, ranch dressing mix, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts, then coat generously with the crumb mixture.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Marinate chicken overnight in ranch dressing for extra flavor. Substitute ranch seasoning with Italian herbs or spicy taco mix for variety. Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.