Easy Baked Ranch Chicken

Introduction

Easy Baked Ranch Chicken is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with savory ranch seasoning. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving a no-fuss dish that’s packed with flavor. The ranch seasoning mix adds a tangy and herby kick to the chicken, while the garlic powder and paprika contribute a depth of flavor and a slight smokiness. Olive oil helps to ensure the chicken stays moist and gets a delicious golden crust while baking. Best of all, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it an easy and satisfying option for any meal. Whether you serve it with a side of vegetables, mashed potatoes, or over a fresh salad, Easy Baked Ranch Chicken is sure to become a family favorite. You can even prep it ahead of time for a quick and effortless dinner later in the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Packed with Flavor – The ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika come together for a flavorful, tangy coating that everyone will love.
3. Minimal Ingredients – You only need a handful of pantry staples and chicken breasts to make this delicious meal.
4. Versatile – Serve it with a variety of sides, like roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad, for a balanced meal.
5. Kid-Friendly – The mild yet tasty flavor of the ranch seasoning is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Variations

• Add Cheese: Top the chicken with shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
• Herb Enhancements: Mix in some dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the herbaceous flavors.
• Panko Crust: For an extra crispy coating, add some panko breadcrumbs to the seasoning mix and bake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional ranch seasoning if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Overcooking: Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without being overdone. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Pound the Chicken: For more even cooking, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning and baking.
• Add Extra Flavor: If you want more of the ranch flavor, you can serve the chicken with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
• Use Bone-in Chicken: This recipe works well with bone-in chicken breasts or thighs; just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How to Serve

Easy Baked Ranch Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. You can also slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of greens or pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat with a little olive oil or butter.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven will help maintain the crispy texture of the chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time, as they may take slightly longer than chicken breasts.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can season the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking it.
3. Can I use homemade ranch seasoning? Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own ranch seasoning, simply use a blend of dried herbs like dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. How can I make the chicken crispier? For a crispier texture, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the seasoned chicken before baking, or broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
5. Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to thaw frozen chicken breasts before baking for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
6. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop? Yes, you can pan-sear the chicken breasts on the stovetop in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
7. What sides go well with this chicken? Roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad are all great options to serve alongside this flavorful chicken.
8. Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be doubled if you’re cooking for a larger group. Just ensure that the chicken breasts are spaced out on the baking sheet to cook evenly.
9. How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
10. Can I make this recipe without olive oil? If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter as alternatives.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Ranch Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or whenever you want a meal that requires little effort but delivers big flavor. With just a few pantry ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy the tangy ranch seasoning paired with juicy chicken, and feel free to customize it with your favorite sides for a well-rounded meal!

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