If you’re hunting for a weeknight dinner that delivers serious flavor with minimal fuss, Baked Ranch Chicken is about to win your heart. This dish embodies everything that makes comfort food sensational: juicy chicken breasts, a savory ranch and Parmesan crust, and an irresistible crunchy coating that forms right in your oven. Whether you’re serving picky eaters, a hungry family, or prepping easy meals for yourself, Baked Ranch Chicken brings everyone to the table with its tempting aroma and rich, herby taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes Baked Ranch Chicken so irresistible is how simple, accessible ingredients come together and truly shine. Each component has a role to play, from layering flavors to building that iconic crispy coating. Here’s what you’ll need, with tips to make every ingredient count!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and perfectly lean, they soak up all that ranch goodness and stay juicy after baking.
- Olive oil: Brushed on for moisture and to help the coating adhere, giving everything a golden, tender finish.
- Dry ranch seasoning mix: The hero of this recipe, infusing every bite with classic ranch herbs and tangy zip.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a nutty, salty depth that amplifies flavor and helps the coating crisp beautifully.
- Plain breadcrumbs: The foundation for crunch; swap for gluten-free if needed without sacrificing texture!
- Garlic powder: For a warm, subtle kick that matches the ranch notes and brings the chicken to life.
- Black pepper: Just a touch, balancing the savory profile without overpowering other seasonings.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top, it adds a bright finish and eye-catching color at serving time.
How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures your Baked Ranch Chicken bakes through evenly while the coating achieves just the right level of crispiness. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This small step makes removing the chicken (and keeping every crumb intact!) a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Up the Flavorful Coating
In a shallow, wide bowl, combine the dry ranch seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir it all together until the colors and scents blend—you’ll notice the way Parmesan and herbs team up for an aroma that’s already hard to resist! This mixture forms the backbone of your crunchy crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Breasts
Brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil. Don’t skip this part; olive oil keeps the meat tender as it bakes and helps the breadcrumb mixture stick. Then, dredge each chicken breast generously in the ranch-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly so every inch gets a thick, flavorful layer. The better the coating sticks, the crispier the result!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Lay each coated chicken breast in your prepared baking dish, spacing them so air circulates. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the crust will turn a lovely golden brown—your kitchen will smell amazing! If you love an extra-crunchy top, pop the chicken under the broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Baked Ranch Chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve right away while everything is at its crispy, juicy best!
How to Serve Baked Ranch Chicken
Garnishes
The finishing touch matters! A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley gives this dish a pop of green and a touch of brightness that balances those rich ranch and Parmesan flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny grating of extra Parmesan or a hint of lemon zest can elevate each plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
Baked Ranch Chicken pairs well with so many sides. Try serving it alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus, or whip up a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. Mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles also make crowd-pleasing accompaniments if you’re craving something heartier!
Creative Ways to Present
There’s nothing more fun than putting your own twist on a classic! For a casual gathering, slice the chicken into strips and layer it atop a ranch-dressed salad or stuff it into wraps with crisp lettuce and tomatoes. Hosting a party? Try mini Baked Ranch Chicken sliders with a dollop of creamy slaw for the ultimate bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Baked Ranch Chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating will lose some of its crispiness, but the flavor remains fantastic for easy lunch or dinner options.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat Baked Ranch Chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 10 minutes does the trick! Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the crunchy coating. If you must, use medium power and cover loosely with a damp paper towel.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a bit more richness and stay juicy as they bake. Just be mindful of slight changes in cook time—always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. The results are just as satisfying, and the coating bakes up beautifully crisp.
Can I prep Baked Ranch Chicken in advance?
You can definitely assemble the coated chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 8 hours before baking. It’s a terrific strategy for busy evenings or when entertaining!
What other cheeses can I use instead of Parmesan?
For a twist, try finely grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano. Both offer a sharp, salty flavor that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly—just make sure they’re finely grated so they incorporate smoothly into the coating.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For maximum crunch, broil the chicken for the last couple of minutes of baking, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for an even airier, crunchier coating.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of a meal everyone will rave about, Baked Ranch Chicken is the answer. It’s cozy, simple, and delivers big on flavor with hardly any effort. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the easiest, most delicious chicken dinner in your rotation!
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Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Ranch Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with the zesty tang of ranch seasoning and the crunch of a Parmesan breadcrumb coating. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that is easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix dry ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Brush each chicken breast with olive oil and dredge in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Place coated chicken breasts in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
