Baked Ranch Chicken
This Baked Ranch Chicken is crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect quick and easy dinner for busy weeknights. Coated in a rich sour cream ranch mixture and topped with a crunchy panko-cheddar-Parmesan crust, this dish is juicy on the inside and golden brown on the outside.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ¼ inch thickness)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet.
- Prepare the Chicken – Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Ranch Mixture – In a bowl, mix sour cream and ranch seasoning until well combined.
- Marinate – Coat each chicken breast in the sour cream mixture. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (optional but enhances flavor).
- Prepare the Breading – In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat the Chicken – Dredge each marinated chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure an even coating.
- Bake – Place the coated chicken on the greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest & Serve – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness: Broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.