This Baked Ranch Chicken features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy Parmesan-Panko crust, infused with savory ranch seasoning. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and herbs infuses the chicken with a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Crispy Texture: The outer coating of Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese bakes up to a fantastic golden crisp, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Moist and Tender: The cooking method ensures that the chicken stays juicy and tender.
- Versatile: Pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, from vegetables and salads to pastas and grains, making meal planning flexible and exciting.
- Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is easy to make, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: Its universally appealing flavors make it a hit among both adults and children, ensuring a meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Mayonnaise Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, dill weed, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, grated garlic, and mayonnaise until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Coat Chicken: Take each chicken fillet and spread a layer of the mayonnaise mixture over it. Then, dredge the coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
Variations
- Mayo Alternatives: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier coating.
- Ranch Variations: Substitute the dry ranch seasoning mix with ranch dressing.
- Different Cuts: Try using chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts for more flavor and juiciness.
- Cheese Options: Swap out Parmesan for another hard cheese like Asiago or Pecorino for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the ranch seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free Panko or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm up in the oven before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces; however, the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Is it necessary to use Panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture, but you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed.
3. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before baking. This can help the flavors meld and the coating adhere better.
4. What sides pair well with Baked Ranch Chicken?
Steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad complement this dish nicely.
5. How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Coating the chicken with the mayonnaise mixture helps retain moisture. Also, avoid overbaking by checking the internal temperature.
6. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of the seasoning mix?
Yes, but it may make the coating wetter. Adjust the consistency by adding more breadcrumbs if necessary.
7. Is there a low-fat alternative to mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is a great low-fat substitute that still provides creaminess and helps the coating
Print
Baked Ranch Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken topped with a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s irresistibly flavorful. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4–6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and a smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (to grease the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Season the chicken: Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Apply the sauce: Spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top and sides of each chicken breast, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Use Asiago or Pecorino Romano cheese if Parmesan isn’t available.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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