Name: Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz); 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

This Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that brings together crunchy texture, buttery richness, and bold ranch seasoning. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The ranch seasoning gives the chicken a zesty kick, while the butter helps create a perfectly crisp and golden crust. It’s also incredibly versatile — I can serve it with mashed potatoes, over a salad, or tucked inside a sandwich. Plus, it’s oven-baked, not fried, so cleanup is a breeze.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
Dry ranch seasoning mix
Butter, melted
Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan for extra flavor

directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other desired spices.
Dip each chicken piece into the melted butter, ensuring it’s well coated.
Press the buttered chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly on all sides.
Place the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Drizzle a little extra melted butter over the top of each piece for extra crispiness.
Bake for 25–30 minutes (depending on thickness), or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
Let it rest a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to bake, so the total time is around 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier bite. For a spicy kick, I mix a bit of cayenne or crushed red pepper into the breadcrumb mixture. If I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll stir in some shredded Parmesan cheese to the coating mix. For a gluten-free option, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

storage/reheating

To store, I place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, I use the oven at 350°F until warmed through — about 10–15 minutes — to maintain the crispiness. The microwave works in a pinch, but it can make the coating soft.

FAQs

How do I keep the coating from falling off during baking?

I make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and avoid flipping it during baking to help it stay intact.

Can I use a different seasoning mix?

Yes, I sometimes swap ranch for Italian or Cajun seasoning if I want a different flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, I replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or olive oil.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I can prep the chicken ahead by coating it and refrigerating it, then just bake when I’m ready to serve.

What sides go well with this dish?

I love serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or even mac and cheese.

Conclusion

Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken is a weeknight hero in my kitchen. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this simple dish never lets me down.