Baked Ranch Chicken
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Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken made easy! Using only 5 ingredients, you can create a yummy chicken dinner in just over 30 minutes. Simple, delicious and perfect for your weekly rotation.
You don’t need a vat of oil to get golden brown crispy chicken! With my baked ranch chicken recipe, you’ll be cooking dinner with ease. Only 5 simple and inexpensive ingredients required. A lot of people shy away from boneless, skinless baked chicken because they think it’s flavorless, dry and boring, but when you add a crispy ranch infused coating, it takes it to another level!
Baked Ranch Chicken
- Easy To Make
- Short, Inexpensive Ingredient List
- Simple & Delicious
- No Dried Out Breast
- Moist & Juicy
Crispy baked chicken, coated in mayo and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, seasoned with a homemade ranch dressing mix – yes please! I’m all about finding ways to make my favorite guilty pleasure recipes a little less guilty. Baking is always a great alternative to get crispy chicken, who needs all that extra oil? Not us!
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken – I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs.
- Seasoning – You’ll need ranch dressing mix for this! You can use my recipe, or buy a packet from the grocery store.
- Breadcrumbs – I used seasoned breadcrumbs but you can also use regular run-of-the-mill breadcrumb or Panko breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan Cheese – I like a nice freshly grated parm, it really makes a difference. Whatever you have on hand will work.
- Mayonnaise – This mayo, you could say is my secret ingredient, it’s what tenderizes the chicken and makes nice and juicy. Use your favorite or make your own using my homemade mayonnaise recipe!
How To Make Baked Ranch Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prep Dredge: In a shallow plate, combine the ranch dressing mix with the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Place the mayo in another shallow plate.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge the chicken breasts first through mayo on both sides, then through the breadcrumb mixture. Place into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
FAQs & Expert Tips
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Ranch Dressing Mix?
Ranch dressing mix is a combination of seasonings used to make ranch dressing! It has become a popular flavor addition to many dishes, just like this chicken. You can find it easily in most grocery stores, but I like making my own! Check out my homemade ranch dressing mix recipe for more info!
How Can I Tell When My Ranch Chicken Is Done?
Every oven is different! The best way to always tell if your chicken is done, is by using an instant-read thermometer. The thermometer should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Just swap in gluten free breadcrumbs in place of the regular stuff we have going on here. If you can’t find gluten free breadcrumbs just pick up some gluten free bread and follow my directions below detailing how to make your own breadcrumbs.
Why Do We Dredge The Chicken Through Mayonnaise?
Dredging the chicken through mayo here is important, because it’s used not only as a tenderizer, but it also helps make the chicken extra juicy and delicious.
Can I Make My Own Breadcrumbs?
All you need are 10 slices of bread, ground down in a food processor, from there just:
– Spread the breadcrumbs on a baking tray and place in your preheated oven.
– Bake at 300°F for 10 minutes or until the crumbs are golden and completely dry, stir occasionally.
– Cool completely on the baking sheet before incorporating.
Tips
- You can mix some spices into your breadcrumbs like chili powder, jerk spice, etc. Get creative with your coating!
- Get yourself an instant-read thermometer. Trust me, it will change the game!
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover ranch chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheating
To reheat so the chicken stays crispy, bake at 400°F for 5 minutes or until heated through. Keep a close eye on them to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Freezing/Make Ahead
You can freeze this ranch chicken either before or after baking. Place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a large freezer bag or airtight container. This will prevent them from freezing into a block together. Freeze for up to 3 months!
More Great Recipes To Try
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Baked Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ounce ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 4 chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prep Dredge: In a shallow plate, combine the ranch dressing mix with the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Place the mayo in another shallow plate.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge the chicken breasts first through mayo on both sides, then through the breadcrumb mixture. Place into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Equipment
Notes
- You can mix some spices into your breadcrumbs like chili powder, jerk spice, etc. Get creative with your coating!
- Get yourself an instant-read thermometer. Trust me, it will change the game!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- To reheat so the chicken stays crispy, bake at 400°F for 5 minutes or until heated through. Keep a close eye on them to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- You can freeze this ranch chicken either before or after baking. Place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a large freezer bag or airtight container. This will prevent them from freezing into a block together. Freeze for up to 3 months!
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Could you use another cheese in replace of the parm ?
You can, try pecorino romano, grana padano, or asiago.
I have made this several times now , my family request it at least once a month. In my opinion it is a great dish to serve your Sunday company. Absolutely delicious.
The best baked chicken recipe I’ve ever put in my mouth
The flavors were really good, but the chicken came out a bit dry! Not sure if I overcooked it or what. Any tips on having it less dry?
Well it’s possible you overcooked the chicken. The chicken breast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also make sure to rest the chicken after removing it from the oven for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to reabsorb some of the moisture.
Will this recipe still work with flash frozen breasts/tenders?
Yes, but I recommend you thaw them out first.
I make this chicken frequently for my grandchildren. They love it! and so do the adults. So easy and quick to make. I also like that I can use thighs or breast meat. I cut the breasts into 2 small pieces that way the thighs and breast pieces cook up together. Thank you Jo for a another great meal.
My pleasure, so glad you enjoyed it!
Loved it, 2nd time I’ve made it. Will definitely make again
This was excellent!
Would this work well
To to a chicken Cesar salad?
To add to a Caesar salad? Absolutely!
Super easy with excellent flavor!! Chicken breasts were tender and juicy. My oven sucks at browning the top, so next time, I may crank up the heat near the end to crisp the top a bit. I’ll definitely make this again. Excellent!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Bake it on the top shelf of your oven. The heat hits the inside top of the oven and reflects down on the dish. The closer the dish is to the top, the browner it will get. Great way to brown the top without the extra fuss.
My whole family loved this recipe.
I substituted miracle whip light and used jar grated parm cheese instead of fresh. Turned out wonderful! This will be a go to recipe for me.
Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
I made this tonight, Omg soooooo good. The only issue we had is there wasn’t enough for seconds.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve made this recipe before a couple times. It was delicious. But I was wondering, what is a good marinade for this chicken prior to cooking? And how long would I have to marinate it for?
Loved this! Kid tested and approved to my surprise! They’ve already asked to have it again.
Loved the addition of the parmesan in your version of the recipe. Turned out great.
Fresh parmesan was delicious!