This Easy Baked Ranch Chicken is a winner for dinner! Juicy chicken baked crispy with a flavorful ranch dressing coating that’s so tasty, you’ll want to make it every week.
I love how simple it is to prepare—just coat and bake! Perfect for busy days when you want something yummy without the fuss. Plus, my family can’t get enough of it! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This is the star flavor in the recipe. If you don’t have a packet handy, you can make a quick homemade mix using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives, along with some garlic and onion powder.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess and tang. You can easily substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, or use cream cheese for a richer texture. Just make sure to soften cream cheese before mixing!
Cheddar and Parmesan Cheese: I suggest using sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese shreds or omit the cheese entirely for a lighter dish.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These powders are great for adding depth. Fresh garlic and onion can be used instead; just sauté them briefly before adding to the sauce to bring out their flavors more.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Bake for My Chicken?
Baking chicken perfectly can be a bit tricky, but it’s all about timing and temperature. Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) so the chicken cooks evenly from the start. Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Season the chicken with salt to enhance its natural flavor before adding the ranch mixture.
- Spread the ranch mixture evenly, so every bite is coated with flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; 165°F (75°C) is the magic number to ensure it’s cooked through.
- If you want a crispy top, finish with a quick broil, but stay close to the oven to avoid burning.
How to Make Easy Baked Ranch Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Toppings:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So in total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes to have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and comes out delicious!
2. Make the Ranch Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ranch dressing mix, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir it all until it’s well combined. This creamy mixture will be the star of the dish!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish. Sprinkle them with salt for seasoning. This is important to give the chicken flavor as it cooks.
4. Apply the Ranch Mixture:
Use a spatula to spread the ranch mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure they are well covered so every bite is flavorful!
5. Add the Cheesy Toppings:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the ranch mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy layer that melts beautifully as it bakes.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), so feel free to use a meat thermometer to check.
7. Broil for a Crispy Finish (Optional):
If you like a crispy top, you can switch to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
8. Let it Rest:
Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps to keep the juices inside the chicken, making it more tender and juicy.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your chicken with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your Easy Baked Ranch Chicken!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream, giving you a similar tangy flavor and creaminess. Just use the same amount – 1 cup – and enjoy a slightly healthier option!
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
To make this dish low-carb, you can skip the cheese or use a lower amount of cheddar and Parmesan. Additionally, serve it with steamed broccoli or cauliflower instead of grains to keep the carb count down.
What Should I Do If My Chicken Is Not Cooking Evenly?
If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, they may cook at different rates. To ensure even cooking, you can pound the chicken to an even thickness before baking, or you can cut thicker pieces in half horizontally. This way, they’ll all reach the desired temperature at the same time!
How to Store Leftovers of Baked Ranch Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If the chicken seems dry, add a little bit of ranch dressing or broth before reheating to keep it moist.
