Description
Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs coated in a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning and garlic, then baked to golden perfection with a rich butter crust. This easy American classic delivers a deliciously crispy exterior and juicy interior, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (like Ritz)
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Seasonings: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, ensuring the mixture is well blended to evenly coat the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Dip each chicken breast or thigh into the melted butter, coating it thoroughly on both sides. Then dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently but firmly to make sure the coating sticks well.
- Arrange for Baking: Place each coated piece of chicken in the prepared baking dish or on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle any remaining melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken pieces to enhance crispiness and flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy crust, switch the oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier coating or crushed crackers like Ritz for a richer flavor.
- This recipe also works great with chicken tenders, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
