Description
This Baked Ranch Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with dry ranch mix and baked to perfection. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a comforting, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the greased baking dish, making sure they have some space around each piece for even cooking.
- Season Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix, salt, and black pepper evenly on top.
- Rub in Seasonings: Use your hands or a spoon to gently rub the seasonings into the surface of the chicken for thorough coverage and enhanced flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken breasts for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring the chicken is safely cooked yet juicy.
- Optional Broil: For a crispier, browned top, set your oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
- Serve: Slice the chicken and serve hot with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melted, gooey topping.
- Leftover baked ranch chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on your serving needs.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
