Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Baked Ranch Chicken recipe is a true classic, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. It relies on simple ingredients and quick prep, making it perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. You can have a delicious, family-friendly meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Get ready to enjoy a dish everyone will ask for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe
This simple Baked Ranch Chicken is a winner for many reasons:
- Quick & Easy: You need just three main ingredients and minimal prep time. This recipe is genuinely simple to follow.
- Bursting with Flavor: The zesty ranch seasoning infuses every bite with a savory, addictive taste.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love the familiar, delicious flavor of this chicken. It is guaranteed to be a hit.
- Versatile: This flavorful chicken pairs wonderfully with almost any side dish you can imagine.
- Healthy & Lean: It’s a fantastic source of lean protein, making it a great addition to a balanced meal. Discover more about the significant health advantages of lean protein in chicken breast.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this easy Baked Ranch Chicken recipe is straightforward. You only need a few staple items to create a mouthwatering meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: About 1.5 to 2 pounds total.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil: For brushing the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons Hidden Valley™ Ranch Seasoning, Dressing & Dip Mix: The secret to that incredible flavor.
Notes & Substitutions
You have some flexibility with your choices here. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts are quick-cooking and lean. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor; just expect a slightly longer baking time. If you prefer, substitute olive oil for the melted butter. Olive oil offers a lighter flavor profile, while butter adds a rich, golden finish. For the ranch seasoning, we highly recommend Hidden Valley™ for its classic taste. However, you can blend your own with dried dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a homemade ranch chicken seasoning blend.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this simple recipe.
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly to fit four chicken breasts.
- Meat mallet: Optional, but useful for evening out chicken thickness.
- Small bowl: For melting butter or mixing oil.
- Measuring spoons: To accurately measure the ranch seasoning.
- Instant-read thermometer: Essential for ensuring chicken is cooked safely.
Instructions
Making delicious Baked Ranch Chicken is incredibly simple. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect meal every time.
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly from the moment it enters the oven.
- Prepare Chicken: Place your chicken breasts into a gallon-sized resealable bag. Using a meat mallet, gently pound them until they are about ¾-inch thick. This optional step promotes even cooking and makes the chicken more tender.
- Arrange Chicken: Lay the prepared chicken breasts in a single layer in your baking dish. Make sure they fit comfortably without overcrowding.
- Coat Chicken: Brush both sides of each chicken breast generously with the melted butter or olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist.
- Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle or shake the ranch seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken. Don’t be shy; ensure a good coating for maximum flavor. This creates our fantastic ranch chicken.
- Drizzle Extra: If you have any leftover melted butter or olive oil, drizzle it over the seasoned chicken in the dish. This adds extra moisture and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 18–20 minutes. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and chicken thickness.
- Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. For comprehensive guidelines on safe food handling and cooking poultry, refer to the USDA’s recommendations on safe poultry cooking. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the dish from the oven. Let the Baked Ranch Chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful chicken.
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Ranch Chicken
Achieving perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken is easy with a few simple tricks.
- Pound for Evenness: Pounding chicken to a uniform thickness ensures every piece cooks at the same rate. This prevents dry spots and keeps the chicken wonderfully tender.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your chicken breasts enough space in the baking dish. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, hindering that desired golden crust.
- Monitor Temperature: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend. It accurately tells you when your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), preventing overcooking and dry results.
- Rest the Meat: Always let your chicken rest after baking. This crucial step allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb juices, keeping your ranch chicken moist and delicious.
- Crispier Coating: For a crispier exterior, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Marinating: For an even deeper ranch flavor, coat the chicken in the oil and seasoning, then let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Baked Ranch Chicken pairs well with many sides and adapts to different tastes.
Serving Suggestions
This savory chicken is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a comforting meal. For a healthier option, serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. A fresh garden salad adds a nice crunch and lightness. Sweet corn on the cob or a classic coleslaw also make excellent companions. Don’t forget some warm dinner rolls to soak up any delicious pan juices.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Baked Ranch Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Thaw: Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your Baked Ranch Chicken!
- Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite buffalo seasoning to the ranch mix before baking for a kick.
- Cheesy Ranch: Top the chicken with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Crispy Breading: For a crunchy texture, dip chicken in a beaten egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs mixed with ranch seasoning before baking.
- Lemon-Herb Ranch: Mix in some fresh lemon zest and dried herbs like parsley or chives with the ranch seasoning for a brighter flavor.
Nutrition Information
This Baked Ranch Chicken is a healthy choice for your family. Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving, based on four servings:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Sodium | 1020mg |
This recipe is also a great option for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet due to its minimal carbohydrate content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you certainly can use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. You will need to adjust the cooking time significantly, likely increasing it to 30-40 minutes, depending on the cut. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I use ranch dressing instead of dry mix?
While you technically could, we don’t recommend it for this particular Baked Ranch Chicken recipe. Ranch dressing contains moisture that will steam the chicken, resulting in a less crispy texture and potentially diluting the flavor. The dry mix creates a fantastic crust and concentrated ranch taste.
How do I get crispy ranch chicken?
For crispier chicken, ensure your oven is fully preheated and don’t overcrowd the baking dish. You can also try baking at a slightly higher temperature (like 450°F/230°C) for the last few minutes, or broiling briefly at the very end. Breading the chicken with panko also yields a very crispy result.
What internal temperature should chicken reach?
Chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. This ensures it is safely cooked through.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Baked Ranch Chicken is excellent for meal prep. Cook it according to the instructions, then portion it into individual containers with your favorite sides. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for quick, ready-to-eat meals.
Conclusion
This easy Baked Ranch Chicken recipe proves that delicious, flavorful meals don’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a satisfying dish that the whole family will adore. It’s truly the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick, reliable, and tasty dinner. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new go-to meal. We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!
Easy Baked Ranch Chicken: Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Optionally, pound chicken breasts to ¾ inch thick. Place chicken in a baking dish, brush with melted butter or olive oil, and sprinkle ranch seasoning on both sides. Drizzle any remaining oil or butter over the chicken.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve hot.