Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken breast that's bursting with flavor - that's exactly what our Baked Ranch Parmesan Chicken promises! This incredibly easy recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. With a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb coating and a tangy ranch twist, this dish is about to become your new go-to dinner that combines maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispier exterior.
- In a shallow bowl, pour the ranch dressing. In another shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the ranch dressing, ensuring it is completely coated. Then roll the chicken in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick evenly to all sides of the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender chicken.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or serve with a side of additional ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better adhesion of the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor - pre-grated cheese can make the coating less flavorful.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Leaving space between chicken breasts helps them crisp up evenly and prevents steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should always reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in those delicious juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to your breadcrumb mixture.
- If you want a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing as the coating base.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
