Name: Baked Ranch Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 4 skinless (boneless chicken breasts); ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup ranch dressing; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley

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You’ll love the crispy, cheesy coating on this Baked Ranch Chicken recipe. The ranch dressing keeps the recipe simple. Prep it in just 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

two pieces of baked ranch chicken on a plate

Looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea that the kids will love? This baked ranch chicken is your answer. Assemble the breaded chicken in just 10 minutes, then gather a few sides while the chicken bakes.

This chicken recipe is a twist on our mayo chicken. Mayo keeps the chicken tender, but don’t worry, that ranch dressing flavor is what shines through.

Ingredients in Baked Ranch Chicken

ingredients for breaded ranch chicken on a table

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Some chicken breasts are very large. If needed, cut them in half or pound them with a meat mallet. This will help ensure even cooking. Boneless skinless chicken thighs or even chicken tenders work, too.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide extra crunch. You can find them in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be substituted, though they may not be as crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan has the best flavor. Buy a block of parmesan cheese from the deli section of your grocery store and use a cheese grater to shred it.
Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and helps the coating stick to the chicken. You can use light mayonnaise if you prefer a lower-fat option.
Ranch Dressing: Choose your favorite brand. For a twist, you can use a flavored ranch dressing like garlic or chipotle.
Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley can be used as a substitute, but fresh is best.

✨ See the recipe card below for full ingredient list and amounts. ✨

How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken

Prepare. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Mix well.

bread crumbs and parmesan cheese in a white bowl

Coat the chicken breasts. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a separate bowl, blend together the mayonnaise and ranch dressing. Brush this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking dish.

chicken coated in ranch mayo dressing in a bowl

Bake the chicken. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy. Test the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken. This is our favorite meat thermometer.

baked ranch chicken in a white baking dish

Garnish the chicken. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Recipe Variations

More Ranch Flavor: Add a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch ranch seasoning mix to the bread crumb and cheese mixture. Or make your own homemade ranch seasoning.
Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. And if you like spicy, try our buffalo chicken casserole next!
Herb-Crusted Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil into the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Cheesy Ranch Chicken: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the coated chicken before baking.
Make it in the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the baked ranch chicken and coat it with the breadcrumb mixture in advance. Store the coated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before baking.

When ready to cook, place the chicken on the baking sheet and proceed as directed. If the baking dish is cold, the chicken may need an extra 5 minutes to bake.

ranch chicken with rice and salad on a plate

What to Serve with Baked Ranch Chicken

Baked Ranch Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some great options include:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or cauliflower steaks
A simple green salad
Rice pilaf
Ranch dinner rolls

Storage and Freezing Tips:

Store any leftover baked ranch chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

You can freeze the coated, uncooked chicken breasts. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

You may also love our creamy ranch chicken lasagna, ranch pork chops, ranch chicken pasta bake, or slow cooker crack chicken.