Baked Ranch Chicken Breast
Baked Ranch Chicken Breast is a simple, flavorful dish combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with zesty ranch seasoning and a crispy golden crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers a comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, chives, or cilantro)
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and allows the chicken to brown evenly while baking.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix with olive oil or melted butter to form a paste. Evenly coat each chicken breast with the mixture, making sure all sides and edges are covered for maximum flavor.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If desired, sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over each coated chicken breast. This adds a savory, crispy crust during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet or greased dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken stays juicy and fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting retains the juices, keeping the chicken moist and tender with every bite.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe doneness without overcooking.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Marinate the chicken with ranch seasoning for 30 minutes ahead of time to enhance flavor absorption.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to maintain juiciness.
- Customize the ranch seasoning with additional herbs or garlic powder as desired.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes or add Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked chicken, ranch chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken, creamy ranch chicken