Baked Ranch Chicken
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
441 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Baked Ranch Chicken
Description
Baked Ranch Chicken starts by combining ranch dressing mix with breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to form a seasoned crust. The chicken breasts are first coated in mayonnaise, which helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere and keeps the meat moist during baking. Baking in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 40 minutes cooks the chicken through, producing a golden brown, crispy exterior without frying.
The mayonnaise and cheese introduce richness to the coating, balancing the herbaceous, tangy flavors of the ranch seasoning. The breadcrumbs provide crunch, contrasting with the tender chicken breasts inside. This approach offers a flavorful alternative to traditional baked chicken with minimal hands-on time.
The chicken can be served alongside vegetables, rice, or a salad for a complete meal. Leftovers are suitable for reheating; reheating in the oven at 400°F for a few minutes helps restore coating crispiness. The recipe adapts well to freezing before or after baking by flash freezing pieces individually before bagging.
Using an instant-read thermometer ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking. Spices can be added to the breadcrumb mixture to vary the flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 4 chicken breast skinless and boneless
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prep Dredge: In a shallow plate, combine the ranch dressing mix with the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Place the mayo in another shallow plate.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge the chicken breasts first through mayo on both sides, then through the breadcrumb mixture. Place into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Notes
- You can customize the breadcrumb coating by adding spices like chili powder or jerk seasoning for varied flavor.
- Using an instant-read thermometer helps ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat in the oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze either before or after cooking by freezing pieces individually on parchment before storing to prevent clumping; freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 441 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1breast | |
| Calories | 441kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 93mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 1140mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 456mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 150IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 178mg | 18% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.