Baked Ranch Chicken – Juicy, Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe

From the first time I tried whipping up a quick, flavorful dinner, I knew comfort food didn’t have to be complicated. Inspired by my journey at Eminent Recipes, where I share easy, family-friendly meals, this Baked Ranch Chicken recipe was born. Juicy chicken coated in creamy ranch flavor, baked to perfection, makes weeknight dinners effortless and satisfying. With simple ingredients and bold taste, it’s perfect for busy nights or a cozy family gathering, bringing smiles to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Ranch Chicken is the ultimate comfort meal for busy families or anyone craving a simple, flavorful dinner. You’ll love how juicy the chicken stays thanks to the creamy ranch mixture, which also adds a savory, herby punch that elevates ordinary chicken breasts or thighs into a crowd-pleasing dish. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, making it versatile for every occasion.

The combination of mayonnaise, olive oil, and dry ranch dressing ensures the chicken remains tender while baking, forming a golden, slightly crisp crust. Adding optional shredded cheese on top gives a melty, indulgent touch, while fresh parsley brightens the flavors. What makes this recipe truly standout is how customizable it is—you can swap chicken breasts for thighs, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or add extra garlic and paprika to suit your taste.

With minimal ingredients and prep, this baked ranch chicken recipe fits perfectly into busy lifestyles without sacrificing flavor. Easy baked ranch chicken, creamy ranch chicken in the oven, or baked chicken with dry ranch dressing mix and mayonnaise—all variations deliver consistent, delicious results that your family will love.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Every ingredient in Baked Ranch Chicken plays a role in creating a juicy, flavorful meal. The chicken itself is your canvas, while the dry ranch dressing packet provides the herby, savory foundation. Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt adds creaminess and moisture, ensuring the chicken doesn’t dry out. Olive oil helps the coating adhere and creates a golden crust, while garlic powder and paprika intensify flavor. Optional toppings like cheese and fresh parsley add extra richness and a pop of freshness.

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):

For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix (e.g., Hidden Valley)
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping (Optional):
½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

These ingredients make baked ranch chicken thighs or breasts easy to prepare while keeping the dish juicy, creamy, and packed with flavor.

How to Make This Recipe

The process for baked ranch chicken is simple yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, pat the chicken dry and mix the dry ranch dressing packet with mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a creamy coating. Spread this mixture over each chicken piece to ensure full flavor coverage.

🛒 Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, dry ranch seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat chicken evenly with the ranch mixture.
5. Place chicken in a greased or parchment-lined baking dish.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes for breasts, 30–35 minutes for thighs, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Optional: Add shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

This easy baked ranch chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings. Juicy, creamy, and flavorful, it’s a dish that everyone will ask for again.

Expert Cooking Tips

Cooking Baked Ranch Chicken can be even easier with a few expert tips. Start by ensuring your chicken pieces are similar in size to promote even cooking. Patting the chicken dry before applying the ranch mixture allows the coating to stick better and prevents sogginess. Using mayonnaise or Greek yogurt is key to keeping the chicken moist while baking.

💡 Expert Tips:

• For juicier chicken, let it rest 5 minutes after baking.
• Thicker ranch coating? Double the mayonnaise or add a spoonful of sour cream.
• Use chicken thighs for richer flavor; breasts for leaner protein.
• Experiment with paprika, garlic powder, or smoked paprika to intensify flavors.
• Add cheese for a creamy, melty top layer.
• Meal prep friendly: Store baked chicken in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or salad for a balanced meal.

Following these expert tips ensures every baked ranch chicken breast or thigh comes out tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Baked Ranch Chicken is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs coated in creamy ranch seasoning make every bite deliciously satisfying. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to become a household favorite. Pair it with vegetables, rice, or salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love. With these tips and techniques, you can confidently create a restaurant-quality baked ranch chicken right in your own kitchen.

Baked Ranch Chicken

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 35–45 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy and flavorful chicken baked with a creamy ranch coating. This easy recipe works with chicken breasts or thighs and uses a dry ranch dressing packet for maximum taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (serves 4–6):

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix (e.g., Hidden Valley)

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, dry ranch seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Coat Chicken
Spread the ranch mixture evenly over each chicken piece, ensuring full coverage.

Step 4: Bake Chicken
Place chicken in the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes for breasts (30–35 minutes for thighs) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Optional Topping
If using cheese, sprinkle over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.

 

Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Chicken Choice: Thighs are juicier; breasts are leaner.
• No Breadcrumbs Needed: The creamy ranch coating keeps chicken moist.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Extra Creamy: Mix 2 tablespoons sour cream into the ranch mixture for added richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish / Chicken
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American