Baked Ranch Chicken

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Key Ingredients for Baked Ranch Chicken

Now that you’re ready to get cooking, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this baked ranch chicken such a standout dish. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible combination of crispy, creamy, and flavorful goodness.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  The foundation of this recipe, the chicken breasts are lean, juicy, and tender when baked just right. They soak up all the flavors from the seasoning mix and breadcrumbs, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Ranch seasoning mix
  This is the star of the show, bringing in that iconic creamy, zesty flavor we all know and love. It’s the perfect way to infuse the chicken with a bit of tang and a lot of savory goodness, making the dish so addictive.
• Breadcrumbs
  The secret to that crispy, golden coating! Breadcrumbs create a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside. It gives each piece of chicken that satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Grated Parmesan cheese
  Parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness to the breadcrumb coating. It helps the chicken crisp up nicely and imparts a savory depth that perfectly complements the ranch seasoning.
• Sour cream
  Creamy and tangy, sour cream helps bind the seasoning and breadcrumbs together while adding a little bit of moisture to keep the chicken from drying out. It also boosts the flavor with its subtle richness.
• Melted butter
  Butter works its magic by enhancing the flavor and helping the breadcrumbs crisp up to perfection. It adds a buttery richness that complements the savory ranch seasoning and parmesan.
• Garlic powder
  A dash of garlic powder brings that warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the whole dish. It’s a simple yet effective ingredient that rounds out the seasoning and adds extra depth.
• Onion powder
  Onion powder brings a mellow, slightly sweet, and savory flavor that balances the garlic and ranch seasoning. Together, they create a flavor profile that feels comforting and familiar.
• Salt
  A little bit of salt is essential for bringing out the best in all the other flavors. It enhances the seasoning mix and helps the chicken breasts taste more vibrant and full of flavor.
• Black pepper
  Black pepper adds a subtle kick and an earthy depth that brings balance to the creamy and tangy notes of the ranch seasoning and sour cream. Just a pinch is all it takes to round out the dish.

How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken

Serving Suggestions for Baked Ranch Chicken

• Crispy Roasted Potatoes
  There’s something magical about pairing baked ranch chicken with crispy roasted potatoes. I love cutting up some russet potatoes into chunks, drizzling them with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, and roasting them in the same oven while the chicken bakes. The potatoes get perfectly golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—so, so satisfying!
• Fresh Garden Salad
  A light, refreshing salad is the perfect way to balance out the rich, creamy chicken. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette, and you’ve got yourself a vibrant, crisp side that pairs beautifully with the hearty chicken. It’s like a burst of freshness to complement the richness of the dish!
• Buttery Steamed Veggies
  If you’re craving something simple but flavorful, a side of steamed veggies—think broccoli, carrots, or green beans—drizzled with a little melted butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is the way to go. It adds a pop of color to your plate and pairs perfectly with the creamy and crispy chicken. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

How to Store Baked Ranch Chicken

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is always a happy problem!), it’s important to store your baked ranch chicken properly to keep it tasting just as delicious the next day. The first step is to let the chicken cool to room temperature before you pop it into the fridge. You don’t want to trap any heat inside, as that could cause the chicken to become soggy or lose its crispy texture.

For the best results, I recommend storing your chicken in an airtight container. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. If you have multiple pieces, you can place parchment paper between them to avoid the coating sticking together. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either pop the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or use a toaster oven to get that crispy crunch back. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s heated all the way through!

If you have a lot of leftovers and want to keep them fresh longer, freezing is an option too. Just wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier. Freezing can slightly affect the crispiness, but trust me, the flavor will still be amazing. Enjoy those leftovers as much as the first time around!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new go-to recipe for baked ranch chicken that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With the crispy, golden crust, juicy chicken, and that irresistible ranch flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, it pairs so well with any side dish, from crispy roasted potatoes to a fresh garden salad, making it the perfect meal for any night of the week.

I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this dish as much as I do. There’s something about that first bite—the crunch, the creamy richness, the savory ranch goodness—that just feels like a warm hug in meal form. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Feel free to drop any comments, questions, or feedback below. I’m always excited to hear how your kitchen adventures turn out!

Happy cooking, and enjoy your deliciously crispy, comforting meal!

Print Recipe

Baked Ranch Chicken

Author: Lily Anderson Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 400

Description

Tender chicken coated in a creamy ranch seasoning, baked to golden perfection. Each bite is bursting with savory, zesty flavor and a crispy, juicy texture that will leave you craving more. A simple yet irresistible comfort dish!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream

• ¹⁄₄ cup melted butter

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3. Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
4. In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese together.
6. In another bowl, whisk together the sour cream and melted butter until smooth.
7. Spread the sour cream and butter mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them completely.
8. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mixture evenly over the sour cream-covered chicken.
9. Next, sprinkle the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture over the top of the chicken, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
10. Make sure the breadcrumbs cover the chicken entirely for a crisp crust.
11. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
12. Once the chicken is done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
13. Serve the baked ranch chicken with your choice of side dishes and enjoy!

Note

• Make sure to not over-bake the chicken to avoid dryness; check the internal temperature for perfect results.
• You can use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch in the topping.
• For a tangier flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the sour cream mixture.
• Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter option, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt.

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