The aroma of Baked Ranch Chicken wafts through the kitchen, teasing your taste buds with promises of savory goodness. Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken coated in a zesty ranch seasoning that dances on your palate, leaving you craving more. Garlic Parmesan Chicken. You might also enjoy this Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a nostalgic experience. Picture family dinners filled with laughter as everyone fights over the last piece. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe guarantees smiles all around.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This easy Baked Ranch Chicken recipe is perfect for hassle-free weeknight dinners. Its deliciously rich flavor pairs well with various sides. The vibrant ranch coating makes it visually appealing, ensuring everyone at the table will be tempted to dig in. It’s also versatile enough for meal prep or a fancy dinner party. [/info_box]
I first made this Baked Ranch Chicken for my friends’ potluck, and let’s just say it was gone before I could even grab seconds. Maple Glazed Chicken Bites. You might also enjoy this Maple Glazed Bacon Chicken Bites recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on your crowd size.
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Ranch Seasoning Mix: Use your favorite store-bought version or homemade for a personal touch.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps the chicken moist and adds richness to the flavor.
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Garlic Powder: Choose fresh garlic if you like an extra punch of flavor in your dish.
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Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth, but feel free to stick with regular paprika if preferred.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in this simple recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust on your chicken breasts.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.
Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until fully blended for even flavor distribution.
Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over each breast for maximum flavor impact.
Bake It Up: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear when pierced.
Serve & Enjoy: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite remains succulent and flavorful.
With these steps complete, you’ll have a mouthwatering Baked Ranch Chicken that not only pleases taste buds but also warms hearts! Blueberry Thyme Chicken.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Baked Ranch Chicken is not just easy; it’s a crowd-pleaser that saves you time. The delightful aroma will have everyone asking what’s cooking, and it pairs well with almost any side dish. You can customize the ranch flavor to suit your taste buds. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The best order is to marinate the chicken first, then preheat your oven while preparing the ranch coating. This ensures everything cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ranch seasoning for other mixes like Italian herbs or taco seasoning. You can even add cheese on top for an extra flavor boost!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Baked Ranch Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness and warmth.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve juicy Baked Ranch Chicken, consider using bone-in, skin-on cuts. Ensure even cooking by letting chicken rest before cutting into it. Don’t rush—allow flavors to develop through proper marination! [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made Baked Ranch Chicken; my friends devoured it like they hadn’t eaten in days! Their compliments made me feel like a culinary rockstar.
FAQ
What can I serve with Baked Ranch Chicken?
Baked Ranch Chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Freeze leftovers for up to three months in an airtight container.
Baked Ranch Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Ranch Chicken is a delightful weeknight meal that combines juicy chicken breasts with a zesty ranch seasoning for an explosion of flavor. This easy recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, ensuring smiles all around as the aroma fills your kitchen. With minimal prep and cooking time, you’ll enjoy a delicious dish that pairs wonderfully with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until blended.
- Place chicken in the baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Generously sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 56g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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