Easy Baked Ranch Chicken

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with bold ranch flavor!

This 5-ingredient recipe is perfect for busy weeknights—ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade*)
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Optional add-ins:

½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Fresh parsley for garnish

*(Homemade ranch mix: 2 tbsp dried buttermilk powder + 1 tsp each dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder + ½ tsp salt & pepper)*

Instructions

Prep chicken: Pound thicker breasts to even ½-inch thickness (for even cooking). Pat dry.
Coat: In a bowl, mix ranch seasoning, Panko, and Parmesan. Brush chicken with oil, then press into crumb mix.
Bake: Place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 mins (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
Broil (optional): 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.

Serving Ideas

Pair with: roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad
Drizzle with: ranch dressing or honey mustard

Pro Tips:
✓ For extra juicy chicken, brine in salted water for 30 mins first.
✓ Air fryer option: 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 mins, flipping halfway.

Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Foolproof – Never dry or bland!
✔️ Kid-approved – Picky eaters devour it.
✔️ Meal-prep friendly – Reheats well for lunches.

Variations:

Spicy: Add ½ tsp cayenne to coating
Cheesy: Top with mozzarella last 5 minutes

“This ranch chicken is our weekly staple—even my teens make it themselves!” 😊

Want a low-carb version (use pork rinds instead of Panko)? Just ask!