Backed and Cracked Ranch Chicken Breast
This Backed and Cracked Ranch Chicken Breast recipe is your new go-to for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. With a crispy ranch-seasoned coating and juicy, tender chicken on the inside, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at your next dinner party, this dish is simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re serving it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, this chicken breast is sure to steal the show.
Ingredients
Ingredients List:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for extra richness
- Salt and pepper to taste
Key Substitutions:
- Breadcrumbs: You can use crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.
- Mayonnaise: Swap with sour cream or plain yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Parmesan cheese: Try using a different hard cheese like Romano or Asiago for a unique flavor.
Instructions
How to Cook the Backed and Cracked Ranch Chicken Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat your oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). We want it nice and hot to get that crispy, golden crust on the chicken!
Prep the chicken – Grab your chicken breasts and give them a quick rinse. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick. Don’t skip this step, or the ranch will just slide right off!
Mix the magic sauce – In a bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix and mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt). Stir it up until it’s smooth. This is your secret sauce, so don’t hold back on the ranch flavor!
Coat the chicken – Spread the creamy ranch mixture over each chicken breast. Make sure every inch is covered—you want that delicious flavor in every bite!
Prepare the breadcrumb mix – In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This is the crispy coating that’ll make your chicken extra special.
Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs – Take each ranch-covered chicken breast and press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it's nice and coated. No one likes a bare spot!
Bake it – Place the chicken on a baking sheet and drizzle a little olive oil (or melted butter) on top to help it crisp up. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside.
Let it rest – Once it’s out of the oven, let your chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps lock in all those juicy flavors. You did it! You’re a pro now.
- Enjoy your Backed and Cracked Ranch Chicken Breast with a side of veggies, potatoes, or whatever makes your taste buds happy! 🍽️
Notes
- Make sure to dry your chicken thoroughly to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasoning mixes for a custom flavor.
- You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option or try gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.