Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe That Kids Adore

Ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick to classic baked chicken that’ll make you dream about dinner.

Crispy exterior and juicy meat create an irresistible combination everyone craves.

Weeknight meals just got way more exciting with this simple yet delicious approach.

You appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without complicated steps.

Salt, herbs, and a sprinkle of creativity turn ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

Pantry staples and minimal prep time mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.

Prepare to surprise yourself with how effortlessly delicious this recipe can be.

Baked Ranch Chicken Must-Have Ingredients

• Chicken Fillets: Lean and mild-flavored poultry perfect for baking.

• Ranch Seasoning, Dill Weed, Onion Powder, Pepper, Salt, Garlic: Classic blend of dried herbs and spices for bold ranch flavor.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps seasonings stick to chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese that adds savory and nutty notes.
• Butter: Melted ingredient to help breadcrumbs brown and crisp up.

Baked Ranch Chicken Cooking Method

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven nice and toasty by preheating to 425°F.

This high heat will help create a crispy, golden exterior on your chicken.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

• Ranch seasoning
• Dill weed
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Mayonnaise

Blend everything until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Prepare Crunchy Breadcrumb Layer

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Melted butter

Mix until the breadcrumbs are perfectly coated and ready to deliver maximum crunch.

Step 4: Dress the Chicken

Generously coat each chicken fillet with the mayonnaise mixture, ensuring every inch is covered with flavor.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Armor

Roll each coated chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick and create an irresistible crunchy shell.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Arrange the breaded chicken fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each piece some breathing room.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

For perfectly cooked chicken, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

This ensures your chicken is fully cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.

Smart Tips for Baked Ranch Chicken

• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Melt butter completely and mix thoroughly with breadcrumbs and parmesan for extra crispy, golden coating.
• Always line baking sheet with parchment paper to easily remove chicken and avoid tearing the breading.
• Swap ranch mix with other dry seasoning blends like Italian or Cajun for different flavor profiles.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or olive oil and use dairy-free parmesan for lactose-sensitive diets.

Saving and Reheating Baked Ranch Chicken

• Store leftover ranch chicken in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain crispy breading.
• Reheat chicken in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature and stopping when warmed through to avoid rubbery texture.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Pairings for Baked Ranch Chicken

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair the ranch-seasoned chicken with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy ranch and buttery breadcrumb coating.
• Serve with Zesty Side Salad: Create a fresh green salad with mixed herbs, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, crispy chicken and cut through its creamy texture.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful roasted vegetable side like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini to add nutritional depth and provide a vibrant contrast to the golden-brown chicken.
• Enhance with Cool Ranch Dip: Whip up a quick ranch dipping sauce using sour cream, fresh dill, and a touch of garlic to intensify the ranch flavor and add an extra layer of enjoyment.

Flavor Twists on Baked Ranch Chicken

• Gluten-Free Ranch Chicken: Replace Panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute mayonnaise with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese to accommodate dairy restrictions.
• Low-Carb Ranch Chicken: Use crushed pork rinds or ground almonds as a low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs, reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the ranch mixture for an extra layer of aromatic flavor and complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade ranch seasoning instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can make your own ranch seasoning mix using dried herbs like parsley, dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can work as excellent alternatives to mayonnaise while keeping the chicken moist and adding a similar tangy flavor.

• Is Panko breadcrumbs necessary, or can I use regular breadcrumbs?

While Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture, regular breadcrumbs will still work well. Panko just gives a slightly lighter and crunchier coating.

• How can I ensure my chicken doesn't dry out during baking?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, coat the chicken thoroughly with the mayonnaise mixture, and avoid overcooking by checking at the minimum recommended baking time.

Why Baked Ranch Chicken Is a Weeknight Star

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Boost: The combination of ranch seasoning, dill, and parmesan creates a mouthwatering coating that transforms ordinary chicken into an irresistible meal everyone will love.
• Healthier Baking Method: Skip the greasy frying and opt for this oven-baked technique that delivers crispy, golden chicken without excess oil, making it a lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this recipe comes together in just a few minutes of prep time and cooks rapidly, providing a delicious dinner solution when you're short on time.

Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ranch-seasoned chicken delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic poultry perfection. Crispy, golden exterior and juicy meat create a simple yet irresistible dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 ounce (28 grams) packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves, grated on a microplane grater

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty coating by blending ranch seasoning with herbs, spices, and creamy mayonnaise in a mixing bowl.
2. In a separate dish, combine crispy Panko breadcrumbs with grated parmesan and melted butter to form a golden, crunchy exterior.
3. Thoroughly coat each chicken fillet with the herb-infused mayonnaise mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Generously roll the sauced chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere completely.
5. Arrange the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 425°F, allowing the chicken to transform into a crispy, golden masterpiece.
7. Roast for 12-15 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness at 165°F.
8. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute juices and maintain optimal tenderness.

Notes

• Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor boost in the ranch seasoning mix.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps chicken equally moist.
• For gluten-free option, replace Panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal to maintain crispy texture.
• Marinate chicken in ranch mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance deeper flavor penetration and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg