There’s nothing quite like a simple yet incredibly flavorful baked chicken dish that the whole family will love. This Baked Ranch Chicken is just that—a tender, juicy chicken breast coated in a creamy ranch-infused mixture, baked to golden perfection. The combination of Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, and a hint of garlic and paprika creates a savory, slightly tangy, and cheesy crust that takes ordinary baked chicken to the next level!
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy, delicious, and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete dinner that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Flavorful – The combination of ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and spices creates an irresistible taste in every bite.
- Juicy & Tender – Baking the chicken at the right temperature keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and all the flavor of a restaurant-quality meal.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this dish!
- Versatile – Can be paired with a variety of sides, from roasted veggies to pasta or a fresh salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Ranch Coating
In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is the secret to locking in moisture and flavor!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better.
Evenly spread the prepared ranch mixture over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top for an extra crispy layer.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help with browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The tops should be golden brown, and the chicken should be juicy and tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic butter rice, or a fresh salad!
Helpful Tips for the Best Baked Ranch Chicken
✔️ Use Greek Yogurt for a Healthier Twist – Greek yogurt adds creaminess while keeping the dish lower in fat and higher in protein.
✔️ Want a Crispy Topping? – Panko breadcrumbs add a delicious crunch, but you can also use crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines) for a buttery, crispy crust.
✔️ Avoid Overcooking – Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked just right at 165°F.
✔️ Try Chicken Thighs – For an even juicier result, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the baking time to about 30-35 minutes.
✔️ Add a Kick of Heat – If you like spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the ranch coating.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Notes
- For best results, use thin chicken breasts or pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
- If you prefer a stronger ranch flavor, add an extra teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning to the coating mixture.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy.
- If using panko breadcrumbs, lightly toast them in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling over the chicken for extra crispiness.
- For a low-carb version, skip the panko breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead.
- Pair with a creamy dip like ranch dressing or garlic aioli for extra flavor!
Storage Instruction
Refrigeration:
Store leftover ranch chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to keep the coating crisp.
Freezing:
Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the chicken ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat this chicken?
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning instead of a packet?
Absolutely! To make your own ranch seasoning, mix:
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Can I add cheese on top?
Yes! A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the last 5 minutes of baking adds an extra cheesy touch.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Baked Ranch Chicken, check out these other easy and delicious chicken recipes:
Final Thoughts
Baked Ranch Chicken is the ultimate easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that you can whip up in under 40 minutes. With its crispy, cheesy coating and juicy inside, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite. Whether you’re making it for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a winner every time.
Give it a try, and let me know what you think! What’s your favorite side dish to pair with this baked ranch chicken?
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Baked Ranch Chicken – Juicy, Flavor-Packed & So Easy!
Description
There’s nothing quite like a simple yet incredibly flavorful baked chicken dish that the whole family will love. This Baked Ranch Chicken is just that—a tender, juicy chicken breast coated in a creamy ranch-infused mixture, baked to golden perfection. The combination of Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, and a hint of garlic and paprika creates a savory, slightly tangy, and cheesy crust that takes ordinary baked chicken to the next level!
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy, delicious, and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete dinner that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is the secret to locking in moisture and flavor!
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better.
Evenly spread the prepared ranch mixture over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top for an extra crispy layer.
Place the coated chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to help with browning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The tops should be golden brown, and the chicken should be juicy and tender.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic butter rice, or a fresh salad!
Notes
- For best results, use thin chicken breasts or pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
- If you prefer a stronger ranch flavor, add an extra teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning to the coating mixture.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and juicy.
- If using panko breadcrumbs, lightly toast them in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling over the chicken for extra crispiness.
- For a low-carb version, skip the panko breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead.
- Pair with a creamy dip like ranch dressing or garlic aioli for extra flavor!