Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be even juicier. Adjust the cooking time slightly - thighs usually take about 5-10 minutes less to cook through than breasts of similar size.

What if I don't have ranch dressing mix?

You can make your own by combining dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of buttermilk powder. In a pinch, you could use Italian dressing mix for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Can I use something other than mayonnaise?

While mayo provides the best results for moisture and texture, Greek yogurt can work as a substitute. The coating won't be quite as rich or crispy, but it will still taste good. Avoid substituting with oil or butter, as they won't help the coating adhere properly.

My coating isn't getting crispy enough - what went wrong?

Two possible issues: First, your oven temperature might be off - consider using an oven thermometer to verify. Second, overcrowding the pan can create steam that prevents proper crisping. Make sure to leave space between chicken pieces, or use two baking dishes if needed.

Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe

Name: Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ounce ranch dressing mix; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless; ½ cup mayonnaise

Description

Baked Ranch Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make main-course dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a creamy layer of mayonnaise and a flavorful mix of ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. This oven-baked recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and yields tender, flavorful chicken with a crispy coating in just 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Coating

1 ounce ranch dressing mix
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

For the Chicken

4 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dredging Station: In a shallow plate, mix together the ranch dressing mix, breadcrumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Place the mayonnaise in a separate shallow plate nearby.
Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and coat both sides thoroughly in the mayonnaise, ensuring an even layer. Then, dredge each piece in the breadcrumb-ranch mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Bake: Transfer the dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden and crispy when done.
Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving hot. Serve as a main course with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting.
You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for the mayonnaise if desired.
For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs.
Check for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Letting the chicken rest briefly after baking helps retain its juices.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 400
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 110mg