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    Recipes » Entrées » Easy Ranch Chicken

    Easy Ranch Chicken

    Published: Jan 19, 2023 by Kate Shungu · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Jump to Recipe
    ranch chicken thighs topped with breadcrumbs on a white platter.
    ranch chicken thighs topped with breadcrumbs on a white platter.
    baked chicken thigh on a small white plate next to a platter full of more chicken thighs.
    baked chicken thigh on a small white plate next to a platter full of more chicken thighs.

    Jazz up a weeknight dinner with this Easy Ranch Chicken! With just six ingredients, it’s a truly easy way to create an easy, flavorful baked chicken dinner.

    ranch chicken thigh on a white plate, next to a plate of additional breadcrumb topped chicken thighs.

    We have chicken at LEAST twice per week at my house, including dishes like Chicken Souvlaki and Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. But, I’m always looking for ways to make it differently, or jazz it up. This baked Easy Ranch Chicken is a new favorite!

    Not to be confused with King Ranch Chicken, this recipe makes pieces of seasoned chicken using both bottled ranch dressing AND ranch dressing mix (from the packet) to create a truly flavorful chicken dish.

    And, you can put it together in 5 minutes flat. Then, it’s all hands-off time from there. Bake the chicken and it’s ready to serve!

    You’re left with crispy-topped chicken thighs with a fantastic ranch flavor. You can make this recipe with chicken breasts, too!

    I like serving it with something simple, like mac & cheese, rice, or crispy garlic potatoes with a leafy green salad on the side.

    This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support Gift of Hospitality at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.

    Jump to:
    • Can you season chicken with a ranch packet?
    • Top tips
    • Ingredients
    • How to make easy ranch chicken
    • Can I use chicken breasts for ranch chicken?
    • Leftovers and reheating
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What to serve with ranch chicken
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Related recipes

    Can you season chicken with a ranch packet?

    Yes! A packet of ranch seasoning mix has so much flavor, and it’s perfect for seasoning chicken.

    For this recipe, we’ll mix ranch seasoning mix with breadcrumbs and butter to create a crispy, flavorful, toasted breadcrumb topping.

    white platter with breadcrumb topped chicken thighs.

    Top tips

    • You can make this recipe with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (like I did), OR you can do boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs. See below for cooking times.
    • Don’t have ranch dressing? You can substitute mayonnaise.
    • Reheat any leftovers in the oven so the breadcrumb topping stays crispy!

    Ingredients

    ingredients for ranch chicken on a white table.

    You just need 6 ingredients:

    • Chicken thighs (or use chicken breasts—more on that below)
    • Ranch dressing
    • Ranch seasoning mix
    • Salt
    • Panko breadcrumbs
    • Butter

    How to make easy ranch chicken

    Start by sprinkling the chicken thighs on both sides with salt. Then, brush ranch salad dressing on top.

    chicken thighs brushed with ranch dressing on a cutting board.

    In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, ranch dressing mix, and melted butter.

    breadcrumbs in a bowl next to a packet of ranch dressing mix.

    Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over each chicken thigh, patting it down gently and making sure the chicken thighs are completely coated on top.

    chicken thighs topped with breadcrumbs on a wooden cutting board.

    Bake the chicken thighs for 35–40 minutes at 400°F, or until the meat reaches 165°F. The tops should be golden brown.

    baked ranch chicken thigh on a silicone mat on a sheet pan.

    Serve these Easy Ranch Chicken Thighs with rice, mac & cheese, or roasted potatoes!

    Can I use chicken breasts for ranch chicken?

    This recipe can easily be adapted for boneless skinless chicken breasts. Follow the recipe as written, but bake the chicken breasts for 22–26 minutes at 400°F, or until they reach 165°F.

    You can also make ranch chicken with boneless skinless chicken thighs. Bake for 20–25 minutes at 400°F, or until they reach 165°F.

    breadcrumb topped ranch chicken thighs on a white platter.

    Leftovers and reheating

    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, reheat the chicken for 10–12 minutes in a 400°F oven. This ensures that the breadcrumbs stay somewhat crispy. The microwave will make them soggy, unfortunately!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I freeze ranch chicken?

    I don’t recommend freezing ranch chicken, as the breadcrumbs won’t stay crispy after freezing and thawing.

    Can I make this recipe without ranch dressing?

    If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can use mayonnaise instead. You will definitely need the packet of ranch dressing mix for the best flavor, though.

    How do I make gluten-free ranch chicken?

    Substitute gluten-free panko breadcrumbs (Kikkoman and Ian’s are two brands that make a gluten-free version).

    ranch chicken thigh on a white plate, next to a platter of more chicken thighs.

    What to serve with ranch chicken

    This dish goes with nearly everything! Here are a few ideas:

    • White or brown rice
    • Buttered noodles
    • Cheesy mashed potatoes
    • Mac & cheese
    • Crispy garlic potatoes
    • Leafy green salad
    • Roasted broccoli

    Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or comment below!

    cup of ambrosia and slice of banana cake.

    📖 Recipe

    breadcrumb topped ranch chicken thighs on a white platter.

    Easy Ranch Chicken

    Published by Kate
    This easy baked chicken is perfect for a weeknight. You just need 6 ingredients for super flavorful chicken!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 5 servings
    Calories 449 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (see notes for chicken breast instructions)
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup ranch salad dressing
    • ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix (from a packet)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400°F. Place the chicken thighs on a clean work surface. Sprinkle both sides with the salt.
    • Brush the skin of each chicken thigh generously with the ranch dressing.
    • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the butter. Pat the breadcrumbs on top of the chicken thighs.
    • Transfer each chicken thigh to a sheet pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the meat reaches 165°F. Let cool slightly and serve.

    Notes

    To make this with boneless skinless chicken breasts, prepare the recipe as directed. Bake at 400°F for 22–26 minutes. 
    To make this with boneless skinless chicken thighs, prepare the recipe as directed. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
    Don’t have ranch salad dressing? You can substitute mayonnaise. 
    Reheat any leftovers in the oven (400°F for about 10 minutes) to ensure the breadcrumbs stay crispy. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 449kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 26gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 743mgPotassium: 340mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 195IUCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword ranch chicken
    Tried this recipe?Follow me at @giftofhospitality and let me know how you liked it!

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    About Kate

    I’m a believer, wife, mom, and big fan of old cookbooks. I live in Chicago with my husband and two young sons. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time! Read more...

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    Kate from Gift of HospitalityI’m Kate. I love discovering old fashioned recipes that will transport you back in time. Learn more here
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