Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a perfect blend of savory ranch dressing, crispy breading, and tender chicken. The combination of mayonnaise and ranch dressing keeps the chicken moist while the parmesan adds a delicious, cheesy flavor. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare—ideal for busy days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs/tenders)
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Panko breadcrumbs
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Freshly grated parmesan cheese
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Mayonnaise
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Ranch dressing
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Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
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Pat the chicken breasts dry, then coat them with a mixture of mayonnaise and ranch dressing.
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Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
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Place the coated chicken on a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Use flavored ranch dressing like garlic or chipotle for an added twist.
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Try adding extra herbs or spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for more flavor.
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For a lower-fat option, use light mayonnaise.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the coating crispy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and are more tender, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe without ranch dressing?
You can substitute ranch dressing with a homemade dressing or other creamy dressings like blue cheese.
How can I make the coating extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs ensures the coating is crispy. You can also broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking to add extra crispiness.
Can I freeze this chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded chicken. Bake it directly from the freezer when ready to cook, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, though they may not be as crispy as panko.
How do I check if the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Parmesan is best for this recipe, but you can try other hard cheeses like Romano or Asiago.
How do I store leftover baked ranch chicken?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken, coat it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the ranch dressing is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Baked Ranch Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With a crispy, cheesy coating and juicy, tender chicken, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Whether served with veggies, potatoes, or a simple salad, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Baked Ranch Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Ranch Chicken recipe features juicy chicken coated in a crispy panko and parmesan breadcrumb mixture, enhanced with the creamy flavor of ranch dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes, this simple and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs/tenders)
Panko breadcrumbs
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Mayonnaise
Ranch dressing
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
-
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then coat them with a mixture of mayonnaise and ranch dressing.
-
Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
-
Place the coated chicken on a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Try using flavored ranch dressing like garlic or chipotle for an added twist.
Add extra herbs or spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise.
