Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If there’s one flavor that brings instant smiles and effortless deliciousness to the table, it’s Ranch. That creamy, tangy, herby goodness isn’t just for dipping anymore! Today, I’m sharing my foolproof recipe for Easy Ranch Chicken—a dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet delivers unbelievably juicy, tender chicken bursting with that beloved ranch flavor. It’s a true weeknight champion that the whole family will adore.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Ranch Chicken recipe because it’s the epitome of high flavor, low effort. It’s exceptionally easy to make, often requiring less than 5 minutes of hands-on prep before it goes into the oven. The ranch seasoning creates a fantastic crust and infuses the chicken with incredible taste, keeping it wonderfully juicy and tender. It’s a versatile, budget-friendly dish that pairs with almost any side, making it perfect for busy evenings or meal prepping. Plus, who can resist the comforting taste of ranch in a main course?

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Easy Ranch Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (1-ounce) packet dry Ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken Cut: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, but this recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs (they tend to be more forgiving and juicy) or even chicken tenders. Adjust baking time accordingly.
• Ranch Seasoning: A store-bought dry ranch seasoning packet is super convenient. If you prefer to make your own, a common blend includes dried buttermilk powder, onion powder, garlic powder, dried chives, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Oil: Olive oil helps the seasoning adhere and promotes browning. Avocado oil or another neutral oil can also be used.
• Spice: For a very subtle kick, you could add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Make Ahead: You can season the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200∘C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch at their thickest point), you might want to pound them lightly to an even 3/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
2. Season Chicken: Place the prepared chicken breasts in the baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle the dry Ranch seasoning mix evenly over all sides of the chicken, rubbing it gently to ensure it’s well coated.
3. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74∘C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside.
4. Rest & Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a clean cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy, tender chicken. Slice or serve whole. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Tips for Success

• Pound for Evenness: If using thick chicken breasts, pounding them to an even thickness is the single best tip for preventing dry spots and ensuring they cook uniformly.
• Don’t Overcook! Chicken breasts dry out easily. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. As soon as it hits 165°F (74∘C), pull it off the oven. The resting period will also help it reach its final temperature.
• Pat Dry: Dry chicken surfaces allow seasonings to adhere better and promote better browning.
• Resting is Crucial: Don’t skip the resting step! It makes a huge difference in the juiciness of the chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Easy Ranch Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide array of sides:

• Classic Sides: Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple side salad.
• Rice Dishes: Serve alongside fluffy white rice or even a vibrant side of my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserolefor a heartier meal.
• Sandwiches or Wraps: Slice the cooked chicken and use it for delicious sandwiches or wraps. For another fantastic chicken sandwich idea, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• Salads: Shred the chicken and use it as a flavorful topping for a green salad, or incorporate it into a chicken salad like my Light Tangy Chicken Salad (with no mayo in sight!).

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Ranch Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s fantastic cold for salads or sliced for sandwiches. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth, or in the microwave on a lower power setting to prevent drying out. You can also chop it up and use it in recipes like my Sheet Pan Quesadillas for another easy meal.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and deliciousness of this Ranch Chicken, and you’re a fan of satisfying chicken dishes, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other popular recipes:

• For a truly comforting and hearty chicken dish with a Southern kick, dive into a bowl of my incredibly flavorful Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
• And for another go-to chicken meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, these Chicken Enchiladas are simply irresistible!

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Final Thoughts

Easy Ranch Chicken is a testament to how simple seasonings can transform everyday ingredients into something truly special. It’s a flavorful, juicy, and incredibly easy meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how quickly this delicious dish comes together!

What are your favorite ways to use ranch seasoning beyond salads? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.