Description
This Baked Ranch Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner option that pairs well with a variety of sides and requires minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Coating Mixture
- 1 ounce ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken and Coating Base
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, thoroughly combine the ranch dressing mix, breadcrumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create an even coating mixture. In a separate shallow dish, place the mayonnaise which will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and dredge it first in the mayonnaise to coat all sides. Then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, thick layer of the ranch-Parmesan coating adheres well.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place each coated chicken breast into the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly so they cook consistently.
- Bake: Bake the coated chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and texture compared to pre-grated varieties.
- This recipe works well with other chicken cuts such as tenders or thighs, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- To reduce calories or fat, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise, but the coating may be slightly less sticky.
