Name: Baked Ranch Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup ranch dressing; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Baked Ranch Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the creamy goodness of ranch dressing with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal. The chicken is tender and juicy on the inside, while the outside is perfectly crisped and full of savory flavor. Paired with the classic ranch dressing and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a family favorite that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Ranch Chicken is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, and spices creates a rich, tangy coating for the chicken, while the panko breadcrumbs give it a crunchy texture that’s irresistible. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare and requires just a few ingredients. It’s baked in the oven, so you can free up time to prepare sides or relax while it cooks. Whether you’re cooking for the family or serving guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Oil Dispenser

Buy Now →

Air Fryer+ Rotisserie

Buy Now →

Chopper & Spiralizer

Buy Now →

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Ranch dressing
Grated Parmesan cheese
Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt (adjust to taste)
Black pepper
Olive oil
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

Cheese Options: Swap the Parmesan cheese for other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar to change the flavor profile. You can even add a bit of both for a cheesy crust.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra level of heat.
Herb Additions: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for a more aromatic crust.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free without compromising the flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the ranch dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the ranch mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, coat the chicken with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick to the surface.

Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top of each piece of chicken to help it crisp up during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the crust is golden and crispy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Coating: Be sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in the ranch dressing mixture and press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for an even, crispy crust.
Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are uneven in size, consider pounding them to an even thickness so they cook uniformly.
No Dry Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overbaking it. Use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached 165°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

How to Serve

Baked Ranch Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, or rice. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce like extra ranch dressing or a tangy honey mustard for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Ranch Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chicken will stay flavorful and juicy when reheated.

Freezing

To freeze leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For extra crispiness, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They will add more moisture, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

2. Can I make this recipe without ranch dressing?

If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can make a similar coating with sour cream mixed with a little garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs, or use a different creamy dressing like Caesar.

3. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko breadcrumbs will give you a crunchier, lighter texture.

4. Can I cook this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook Baked Ranch Chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for about 15-18 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust is crispy.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

6. How do I make the crust extra crispy?

For an even crispier crust, make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs and drizzle olive oil generously on top before baking.

7. Can I marinate the chicken before baking it?

You can marinate the chicken in ranch dressing for extra flavor, but it is not necessary. The breading and seasoning will provide plenty of flavor.

8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor profile.

10. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking.

Conclusion

Baked Ranch Chicken is an easy and delicious way to prepare chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The combination of ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, and spices gives the chicken a savory, flavorful crust that’s hard to resist. Whether you serve it with your favorite sides or enjoy it as a standalone meal, this dish will become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Try it today and enjoy the perfect balance of flavor and texture in every bite.