The aroma of an Easy Baked Ranch Chicken Dinner wafts through the kitchen, blending savory spices with tender chicken. Picture yourself biting into juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned and enveloped in a creamy ranch sauce that dances on your taste buds. another delicious ranch chicken recipe For more inspiration, check out this ranch green beans recipe recipe.
Remember those busy weeknights when cooking felt like an Olympic sport? This dish takes the gold medal for ease and flavor, making it a family favorite at our house. cozy comfort food alternative The anticipation builds as you prepare this delightful meal, perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors without hours of prep
- The creamy ranch sauce brings a burst of flavor that everyone will love
- With its vibrant presentation and mouth-watering aroma, this dish is sure to impress
- Versatile enough to serve with various sides or even on its own!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my kids devoured it in minutes and begged for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Ranch Dressing Mix: A packet of this magical blend elevates the flavor instantly; just make sure it’s fresh for the best result.
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Heavy Cream: For that luscious texture! You can substitute with half-and-half if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle helps keep the chicken moist while adding a hint of richness.
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped finely for garnish; it adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning! Adjust to your taste preferences as you go along.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven ensures crispy edges and moist chicken inside.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later!
Season the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Generously season them with salt and pepper for that extra zing.
Create the Sauce: In a bowl, combine ranch dressing mix and heavy cream until smooth. It should look creamy and aromatic—trust me, it’ll be worth it.
Coat the Chicken: Pour the ranch mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Give them a loving rub if you’re feeling fancy!
Bake Until Perfect: Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). perfect side dish for your dinner Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Enjoy this Easy Baked Ranch Chicken Dinner as you create memories around your dinner table! pesto chicken wraps for a fresh twist.
You Must Know
- This easy baked ranch chicken dinner is a delightful mix of flavors, making meal prep enjoyable
- Effortlessly switch ingredients based on your pantry
- The rich aroma fills the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere for family gatherings
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and satisfying
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by marinating the chicken in ranch seasoning while you preheat the oven. Then, roast it with veggies for a complete meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different ranch flavors, such as spicy or garlic-infused options.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When marinating chicken, allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes; this enhances flavor significantly
- Ensure even cooking by cutting vegetables into uniform sizes
- Always check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F for safety and tenderness
The first time I made this dish, my family devoured it within minutes! They still request it every week, and I can’t blame them—who doesn’t love ranch?
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s completely thawed before marinating for best flavor absorption.
What sides pair well with baked ranch chicken?
Mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad complement this dish beautifully and add variety.
How long does it take to bake ranch chicken?
Bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Easy Baked Ranch Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Baked Ranch Chicken Dinner is a flavorful, hassle-free meal perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are enveloped in a creamy ranch sauce, creating a delicious dish that’s sure to impress your family. With minimal prep time and a rich aroma wafting through your kitchen, this recipe combines simplicity with mouth-watering taste.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; place in the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix ranch dressing mix with heavy cream until smooth.
- Pour the ranch mixture over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
