Name: Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that strikes the perfect balance between boldly flavorful and blissfully easy, Baked Ranch Chicken is your new go-to. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser: juicy chicken breasts, coated in a garlicky ranch-infused rub, baked until golden, and finished with a melty cheddar topper (if you like a little extra indulgence). It all comes together with minimal effort and maximum comfort—a main course that’s just as perfect for cozy family suppers as it is for casual entertaining. Trust me, after your first bite of Baked Ranch Chicken, it’ll be on repeat in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes the most delicious recipes are the simplest, and that’s definitely true here. Each ingredient in Baked Ranch Chicken contributes its own special touch—whether it’s adding creaminess, savory depth, or a burst of fresh color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with my favorite tips for making every part count.

Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and protein-packed main; pounding them helps cook evenly and keeps every bite juicy.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasonings cling to the chicken while keeping everything extra tender.
Dry ranch seasoning mix: The star of the show! Ranch seasoning brings herby, tangy flavors that transform ordinary chicken into something crave-worthy.
Garlic powder: Delivers savory depth without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Layers in subtle sweetness and rounds out those savory ranch notes.
Black pepper: A simple pinch adds a gentle kick and balances the other flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For a cheesy finish, sprinkle over the last few minutes of baking (totally optional, but oh-so-good!).
Chopped fresh parsley: The ultimate finishing touch; it adds color and a fresh, herbaceous pop.

How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Before the magic begins, preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a trusty baking dish with nonstick spray or a slick of olive oil—this ensures nothing sticks and makes for easy cleanup later. Having everything set up means the chicken can go straight in once it’s coated.

Step 2: Dry and Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This quick step is the secret to getting that irresistible, flavorful crust rather than a soggy coating. If you want extra tender and juicy chicken, try pounding them to an even thickness first—it’s a little move with big payoff!

Step 3: Mix the Ranch Paste

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, dry ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir it into a thick, aromatic paste. This easy blend brings all the punchy ranch flavors together, ready to infuse the chicken with pure deliciousness.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Rub the herby ranch paste evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Really get in there—massaging the mixture into every nook ensures maximum flavor penetration and a gorgeous, well-seasoned finish.

Step 5: Bake Your Baked Ranch Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken in your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and no longer pink in the center. For a cheesier twist, sprinkle on the shredded cheddar during the final five minutes and let it get deliciously melty.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once your Baked Ranch Chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes—this helps all those juices redistribute for the juiciest result. Just before serving, scatter chopped parsley on top for a fragrant burst of freshness and color.

How to Serve Baked Ranch Chicken

Garnishes

You can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of bright green fresh parsley—its freshness balances the savory ranch flavors. If you’re feeling creative, add thinly sliced green onions or a scattering of chives for even more color and a gentle oniony bite. For the cheese lovers, a bit more cheddar right after baking can only make things better!

Side Dishes

There’s no shortage of pairing possibilities with Baked Ranch Chicken. Fluffy mashed potatoes soak up those flavorful juices, classic rice is always a solid choice, and a simple green salad keeps things bright and refreshing. You can also serve it with roasted veggies or even creamy macaroni and cheese to turn it into a true comfort feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your plate by slicing the chicken diagonally and fanning out the pieces; it instantly looks fancy but couldn’t be easier. For a fun twist, serve Baked Ranch Chicken sliced over a big salad, tucked into wraps, or layered into a sandwich with lettuce and tomato for a next-day treat that feels anything but leftover.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Ranch Chicken stores beautifully! Place extra pieces in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool fully before storing to keep it tender and juicy. You can even slice it before storing if you plan to use it for salads or wraps later.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Baked Ranch Chicken for meal prepping or future cravings. Wrap each piece securely in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the chicken as moist as possible.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat your Baked Ranch Chicken, pop it in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps it from drying out. For a fast lunch, you can also use the microwave, but cover the plate with a damp paper towel and use short bursts to help retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in Baked Ranch Chicken; they’re juicy and full of flavor. Just be sure to check for doneness, as thighs may require a few extra baking minutes.

What kind of ranch seasoning should I use?

Any dry ranch seasoning mix will work—use your favorite store-bought brand, or make your own at home if you want to control the salt and herbs. A good ranch seasoning is key to those signature flavors!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Baked Ranch Chicken can be made dairy-free simply by omitting the cheddar cheese and choosing a ranch seasoning mix that doesn’t contain dairy ingredients. The chicken will still turn out savory, moist, and packed with ranch flavor.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the thickest part of each chicken breast should reach 165°F. The juices will run clear, and there won’t be any pink inside. Overcooking can dry it out, so keep an eye on your timer!

What’s the best way to get an even coating of seasoning?

Using your hands is the most effective method for rubbing the ranch paste evenly onto the chicken. Make sure every inch gets coated for the most flavorful results. If you have a little extra time, letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge amps up the flavor even more.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner that’s sure to earn a spot in your regular recipe lineup, give this Baked Ranch Chicken a try. It’s one of those reliable dishes that makes happy plates and happy cooks alike!

Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Ranch Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with a zesty ranch blend, baked to juicy perfection, and topped with melted cheddar cheese for an extra indulgent touch. Serve this easy-to-make chicken with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. In a bowl, mix olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper into a paste.
Season Chicken: Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Bake: Place chicken in the dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
Add Cheese: Optionally, sprinkle cheddar cheese over chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest and Serve: Remove from oven, let rest, garnish with parsley, and serve.