Juicy Grilled Chicken with Ranch and Parmesan Crust Recipe

Ranch and parmesan crust revamps ordinary grilled chicken into a crispy, flavor-packed sensation that elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent.

This mouthwatering recipe brings together tangy ranch seasoning and nutty parmesan cheese in a delightful coating that locks in juiciness.

The magical combination creates a golden, crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the tender meat underneath.

Seasoned home cooks and kitchen novices alike can master this simple yet impressive dish with minimal effort.

ranch lovers will appreciate the zesty punch that makes each bite irresistibly delicious.

The parmesan adds a sophisticated depth that turns a basic protein into something truly special.

One bite promises to revolutionize your approach to grilled chicken forever.

Grilled Chicken with Ranch‑Parmesan Crunch

• Flavor-Packed Grilling Adventure: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece with a tangy ranch and crispy Parmesan crust that delivers explosive taste in every bite.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a delightful contrast between juicy grilled chicken, creamy ranch spread, melted provolone, and crunchy Parmesan bread crumb topping that creates a perfect textural experience.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: With just 15 minutes of prep and minimal cooking steps, this dish offers a restaurant-quality meal that's simple enough for busy home cooks to master quickly, making dinnertime stress-free and delicious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, this chicken recipe appeals to both kids and adults, offering a guaranteed crowd-pleasing option that feels gourmet but requires minimal culinary skills.

Ingredients for Ranch‑Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless cuts, tender and lean protein perfect for grilling, best when fresh and evenly pounded.
• Provolone Cheese: Melty and creamy cheese that adds rich flavor and smooth texture to the chicken.

• Olive Oil, Ranch Dressing: Provides moisture and bold tangy flavor to tenderize and season the chicken.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep umami and complex savory notes to enhance chicken's taste.
• Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Acidic components that help break down proteins and brighten overall flavor.
• Garlic, Pepper: Aromatic seasonings that provide depth and mild heat to the marinade.

• Parmesan Cheese, Ranch Dressing: Creamy spread that adds rich, tangy flavor and helps create a golden crust.
• Panko Bread Crumbs, Garlic Salt: Crispy coating that provides crunchy texture and savory seasoning.
• Butter: Helps bind bread crumbs and creates a golden, rich topping when melted.

Grilling Guide for Crunchy Ranch Chicken

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

Create a flavorful marinade using olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper. Place chicken breasts in a large zip-lock bag and pour marinade over them. Seal and gently massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight to enhance flavor absorption.

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Surfaces

Preheat outdoor grill to medium-high heat around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean and oil grill grates to prevent chicken from sticking. Simultaneously, prepare an oven-safe baking dish for final preparation.

Step 3: Grill The Chicken

Cook chicken breasts on preheated grill for 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit using a meat thermometer. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Ranch Parmesan Topping

• Ranch dressing
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Panko bread crumbs
• Garlic powder
• Melted butter

Step 5: Finish And Broil

Transfer grilled chicken to oven-safe dish. Spread ranch Parmesan mixture generously over each chicken breast. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until topping turns golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

Let chicken rest for 3 minutes after broiling. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately with side vegetables or salad.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Marinating Time: 2-3 hours

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 3 hours

Servings: 4

Calories Per Serving: Approximately 540

Tips for Juicy Chicken under a Parmesan Crust

• Marinate Thoroughly: Use a resealable plastic bag to ensure chicken is evenly coated and absorbs maximum flavor during marination.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy chicken every time.
• Create Crispy Topping: Toast bread crumbs briefly in a skillet before mixing with Parmesan to enhance their golden, crunchy texture.
• Prevent Burning: Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the delicate Parmesan crumb topping, which can turn bitter quickly.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains succulent and flavorful.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Ranch Chicken

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the ranch spread and Parmesan crumb topping separate to maintain crispness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add fresh Parmesan crumb topping just before serving to restore the crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

Pairing Sides with Ranch‑Parmesan Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the tangy ranch and rich Parmesan flavors. These bright, zesty wines cut through the creamy cheese and balance the grilled chicken's smokiness.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a colorful side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus seasoned with herbs. The grilled vegetables will echo the chicken's charred notes while adding nutrition and visual appeal.
• Refresh with Cucumber Salad: Whip up a light cucumber salad dressed with dill and a touch of Greek yogurt. This cool, crisp side dish provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, cheesy chicken and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: End the meal with a tangy lemon sorbet that will cleanse the palate and provide a bright, refreshing finish. Its citrusy zing perfectly complements the savory chicken and cuts through the creamy ranch and Parmesan flavors.

Variations on Ranch‑Parmesan Chicken

• Mediterranean Ranch Fusion: Swap ranch dressing with tzatziki sauce, add oregano to crumb topping, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Crunch: Mix chipotle powder into ranch spread, use cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern profile.
• Herb Garden Chicken: Replace ranch with herb cream cheese, incorporate fresh chopped thyme and rosemary into crumb mixture, and use grated pecorino romano for an aromatic herbal experience.
• Lemon Garlic Crisp: Infuse marinade with fresh lemon zest, add minced garlic to crumb topping, and use a light mozzarella cheese for a bright, tangy alternative.

Grilled Chicken with Ranch and Parmesan Crust Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Grilled chicken with ranch and parmesan crust delivers a crispy, flavor-packed meal that elevates weeknight dinners. Parmesan cheese and zesty ranch seasoning create a golden, savory coating that seals in juicy chicken goodness you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 0.75 inch thickness

Cheeses:

• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Marinade Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) bottled ranch dressing
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vinegar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) minced garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) pepper

Ranch Spread:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) bottled ranch dressing

Parmesan Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in a flavorful marinade, ensuring each portion is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of two hours or preferably overnight to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
2. Heat grill to medium-high temperature, creating optimal cooking conditions for even chicken preparation.
3. Position marinated chicken on grill grates, cooking approximately 12-15 minutes while rotating occasionally to achieve consistent golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
4. Simultaneously craft ranch spread by blending creamy ranch dressing with finely grated Parmesan cheese, creating a rich, tangy mixture.
5. Prepare Parmesan crumb topping by combining breadcrumbs, minced garlic, shredded Parmesan, and melted butter until ingredients form a cohesive, slightly moistened texture.
6. Transfer grilled chicken to oven-safe serving dish, ensuring each piece maintains its juicy profile.
7. Generously distribute ranch spread across chicken breasts, creating an even, luxurious coating.
8. Layer provolone cheese atop ranch spread, allowing for smooth melting potential.
9. Sprinkle Parmesan crumb mixture over cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crispness.
10. Activate broiler and position dish underneath, monitoring closely until cheese melts and crumb topping transforms into a golden, crispy crust.
11. Remove from broiler, allowing chicken to rest momentarily before serving to preserve internal moisture and temperature.

Notes

• Marinating overnight infuses deep flavor, transforming plain chicken into a zesty, mouthwatering meal.
• Grilling creates perfect char marks while keeping meat juicy and tender, preparing it for the cheesy ranch topping.
• Broiling the final dish ensures a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds irresistible texture and rich, comforting taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1090 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 33 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg