Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe

The Best Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe – Juicy & Flavorful

Ranch-seasoned chicken refines ordinary meals into culinary celebrations of flavor and comfort.

Creamy, zesty seasonings elevate this straightforward protein into something remarkably special.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

The marriage of tangy herbs and tender meat produces a crowd-pleasing dish that sparks enthusiasm around any dinner table.

Seasoning techniques make all the difference when crafting memorably delicious chicken experiences.

Bold ranch profiles infuse each bite with remarkable depth and remarkable complexity.

Crispy exterior and juicy interior guarantee a dining adventure that satisfies multiple taste preferences.

Key Traits of Baked Ranch Chicken

  • Unlock Explosive Flavor Fusion: Combine ranch seasoning, dill, and Parmesan for a taste explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
  • Achieve Crispy Perfection Effortlessly: The Panko breadcrumb coating creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that delivers restaurant-quality texture without deep-frying.
  • Speedy Weeknight Dinner Champion: From prep to plate in just 20 minutes, this recipe offers a quick, delicious meal that satisfies hungry families without complicated techniques or endless cooking time.
  • Healthier Comfort Food Hack: Baking instead of frying reduces calories while maintaining maximum flavor and crispy goodness, making it a guilt-free comfort food solution.

Ingredients for Juicy Baked Ranch Chicken

Chicken and Seasoning:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, best when fresh and evenly sized.
  • Ranch Seasoning Packet: Provides signature tangy and herbal flavor profile for the chicken.
  • Dill Weed: Adds fresh, slightly tangy herb note that complements ranch seasoning.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances overall savory depth of the dish.
  • Ground Black Pepper: Brings subtle heat and complexity to the seasoning.
  • Salt: Helps balance and intensify other flavors.
  • Garlic Cloves: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to the chicken coating.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, rich base that helps seasonings adhere to chicken.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs: Provides crispy, light texture for the chicken coating.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty flavor and helps create a golden brown crust.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter, Melted: Helps bind bread crumbs and adds rich, golden color to the coating.

Baking Steps for Baked Ranch Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Ranch Seasoning Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Dill weed
  • Onion powder
  • Ground black pepper
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Mayonnaise

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Prepare Crispy Coating

In a separate shallow dish, mix:
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Melted butter

Stir until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Fillets

Dip each chicken fillet into ranch mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Then roll in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere.

Step 5: Arrange And Bake Chicken

Place coated chicken fillets on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appears golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Remove chicken from oven. Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Handy Tips for Crisp Yet Juicy Ranch Chicken

  • Seal in Moisture: Use mayonnaise as a base coating to keep chicken incredibly juicy and tender during baking.
  • Breadcrumb Perfection: Press Panko breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to create an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that won't fall off.
  • Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked results.
  • Flavor Boost: Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, enhancing overall taste and texture.
  • Preparation Hack: Pat chicken dry before coating to help seasoning and breadcrumbs adhere more effectively and create a crunchier crust.

Best Ways to Store and Rewarm Baked Ranch Chicken

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover ranch chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, where they'll stay delicious for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it reaches 165°F internally to maintain crispiness and food safety.

Side Ideas to Serve with Ranch Chicken

  • Craft a Zesty Salad Companion: Whip up a light, herby salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy ranch dressing to complement the crispy chicken's rich flavors.
  • Pour the Perfect Crisp Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright acidity cuts through the chicken's creamy, buttery coating and refreshes the palate.
  • Serve Creamy Roasted Sides: Prepare garlic roasted potatoes or a creamy coleslaw that echoes the ranch seasoning's herbal notes and provides a smooth textural contrast to the crunchy chicken.
  • Spike with Cool Dipping Sauce: Create a quick dip using extra ranch seasoning mixed with sour cream or Greek yogurt, giving diners an extra burst of tangy flavor to complement the baked chicken.

Flavor Spins for Baked Ranch Chicken

  • Spicy Southwestern Ranch Chicken: Kick up the heat by adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes to the ranch seasoning mix for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace ranch seasoning with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and add crumbled feta cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired coating.
  • Crispy Parmesan Herb Chicken: Enhance the Parmesan mixture with additional fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, parsley, and chives for an extra burst of herbal complexity.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Crusted Chicken: Swap Panko breadcrumbs with ground almond meal and crushed gluten-free crackers to create a crunchy, allergen-friendly alternative that maintains the same satisfying texture.
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Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe

Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

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

Description

Succulent ranch chicken delivers a zesty home-style meal packed with creamy tangy flavors. Crispy seasoned coating and juicy meat make this simple dinner a crowd-pleasing comfort classic that delivers satisfaction in every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets

Seasoning Blend:

  • 1 ounce (28 grams) packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon dill weed
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated on a microplane grater

Coating and Binding Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare a pristine baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for the chicken.
  2. Craft the flavor-packed ranch coating by whisking together ranch seasoning mix, dill weed, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, garlic, and mayonnaise into a creamy, herb-infused blend.
  3. In a separate dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter to create a crunchy, golden exterior coating.
  4. Meticulously enrobe each chicken fillet with the zesty mayonnaise mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  5. Generously roll the coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to secure a robust, crispy layer that will transform into a tantalizingly crunchy crust.
  6. Preheat the oven to a scorching 425°F (220°C), preparing the perfect environment for culinary transformation.
  7. Carefully arrange the breaded chicken fillets on the prepared baking sheet, allowing space between each piece for optimal heat circulation.
  8. Slide the baking sheet into the heated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the chicken achieves a golden-brown exterior and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest briefly, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.

Notes

  • Craving a mouthwatering chicken dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor? This ranch-infused creation transforms ordinary chicken into a crispy, zesty meal.
  • Mayonnaise creates an incredible moisture barrier, helping the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly while keeping the chicken incredibly juicy and tender.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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