Description
Ranch-seasoned chicken emerges as a crispy, flavor-packed dinner delight that brings zesty comfort to your table. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
Cheese and Seasoning:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish by coating it with a thin layer of cooking spray or lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and crispy exterior.
- Create a seasoning mixture by combining ranch dressing mix, breadcrumbs, and optional herbs like dried parsley or thyme in a shallow bowl.
- Gently coat each chicken piece with ranch seasoning mixture, pressing the coating firmly to help it adhere and create a flavorful crust.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring pieces do not overlap for even cooking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the chicken reaches a golden-brown color and internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional ranch seasoning if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Crush cornflakes or gluten-free crackers for a crispy coating that works for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Use skinless chicken breasts to make the dish leaner and lower in fat, ensuring even cooking and healthier protein.
- Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the ranch mix for extra depth of flavor that complements the chicken’s richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg