Description
Easy Baked Ranch Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner recipe combining juicy, tender chicken breasts with creamy ranch seasoning and optional parmesan for a nutty crust. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and family meals, offering simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a kid-friendly flavor that pleases everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken breasts bake evenly and stay juicy.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the seasoning adhere better and promoting even browning.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese if using. Lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil or melted butter, then coat them generously with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the chicken. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Notes
- Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Don’t Overbake: Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Double the Dressing: Mix ranch seasoning with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy dip.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives brighten the dish and add fresh aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: baked chicken, ranch chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken breasts, family meal, gluten-free chicken