Description
This Easy Baked Ranch Chicken Delight recipe combines flavorful ranch seasoning with a crispy parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust for a quick and delicious oven-baked chicken dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it yields juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a savory, buttery crust.
Ingredients
For the Ranch Mayo Mixture
- 1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 garlic cloves, grated (using a microplane grater)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
For the Bread Crust
- 3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Protein
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy and golden crust on the chicken.
- Prepare Ranch Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning mix, dill weed, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, grated garlic cloves, and mayonnaise until well combined. Set aside.
- Make Breadcrumb Coating: In a separate bowl, combine Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly to create a crumbly, buttery coating mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Coat each chicken fillet with the ranch mayonnaise mixture evenly, then dredge each fillet thoroughly in the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture until fully covered.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the breaded chicken fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the prepared chicken breasts in the preheated oven at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature; chicken is done when it reaches 165°F, ensuring it is juicy and fully cooked.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure safety.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and lighter option.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep juices locked in.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
