Baked Ranch Chicken
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Baked Ranch Chicken is an easy recipe that makes its own creamy sauce as it bakes! You'll love this tender and juicy chicken smothered in a flavorful gravy that's topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs!
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Why You'll Love It
- Simple Ingredients - find everything in your local grocery store
- Tender and Juicy - this recipe creates the juiciest chicken ever!
- Quick and Easy - thinner cutlets are ready in 30 minutes
- Affordable Meal - requires only a few ingredients
- Makes its Own Sauce - what could be better than that?
Where are all of my ranch lovers? With just one pack of dry ranch salad dressing mix, you can create one of my favorite chicken breast recipes that even picky eaters will love!
This dish is right up there with Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes and Honey Glazed Pork Chops for easy meals that provide a great option for the entire family.
Ingredient Notes
This flavorful ranch chicken bake creates a delicious dinner, and is perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday Suppers!
See quantities in the recipe card below.
- chicken breast cutlets - cutlets are thin sliced chicken breasts that are boneless and skinless, or you can substitute boneless chicken thighs, boneless chicken breasts, or chicken tenders
- dry ranch seasoning mix - make your own or use a store bought packet. (Check to make sure it's called seasoning mix and not dip mix.)
- mayonnaise - Duke's Mayo provides the best flavor, but you can substitute Greek yogurt
- sour cream - use a reduced fat or full fat version
- grated parmesan cheese - make sure it is the grated type and not shredded
- black pepper - fresh cracked pepper provides more flavor, but regular pepper works fine
- panko breadcrumbs - plain breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or a gluten-free alternative will work too
- fresh parsley - optional herb for garnish and flavor
How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an oven-proof skillet, or baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning mix, mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Place the cutlets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
4. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the top of each cutlet, making sure they are well coated.
5. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top of the ranch-coated cutlets.
6. Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F with an instant read meat thermometer.
7. For a golden-brown crust, broil the top of the cutlets for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Remove the creamy ranch chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Variations
Herbs: feel free to include additional herbs like curry, dill or chives to enhance the ranch flavor.
Protein: use pork chops, tofu, salmon or pork tenderloin as an alternative. Or, use a different type of poultry such as thighs or tenderloins.
Seasoning: replace the ranch dressing with an Italian dressing packet, or add some heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle seasoning.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use regular chicken breasts as a substitute. If doing so, increase the baking time to ensure they're fully cooked through, usually about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The thicker breasts will need more time in the oven compared to the thinner cutlets.
I only sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top to keep it from getting soggy. This way, the topping bakes up nice and crispy, adding the perfect crunch to the creamy poultry beneath, while the bottom stays moist and tender.
Yes, you can make your own ranch seasoning blend with herbs and spices like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
You can assemble this dish with the ranch mixture and breadcrumbs ahead of time, refrigerate, and then bake it just before serving to ensure freshness and prevent sogginess.
What to Serve With Baked Ranch Chicken
Rainbow Salad: Try a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the dish's creaminess.
Asparagus or Brussels Sprouts: Steamed or roasted veggies, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make a nutritious side.
Cheesy Stuffed Garlic Bread: Crusty bread or rolls are perfect for dipping into the savory gravy.
Green Beans or Collard Greens with Bacon: These two southern sides make the perfect accompaniment.
Southern Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw or crisp cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: You'll need some good old mashed potatoes to sop up the creamy sauce!
Storage Tips
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing is not recommended. Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated due to the dairy content.
More Comfort Food Recipes
Creamy Ranch Chicken is comfort food at its best. Try these other main dishes if you're looking for more hearty meals!
Recipe Card
Baked Ranch Chicken
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Equipment
- cast iron skillet (or baking dish)
Ingredients
- 4 chicken cutlets (thin sliced chicken breasts)
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- fresh parsley (optional garnish) (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an oven-proof skillet, or baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning mix, mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until well combined.
- Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Spread the ranch mixture evenly over the top of each chicken cutlets, making sure they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top of the ranch-coated chicken cutlets.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- For a golden-brown crust, broil the chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning
- Remove the Baked Ranch Chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
- Freezing is not recommended. Cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated due to the dairy content.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
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So incredibly tempting, and love the sour cream and Parmesan.
So yummy and easy.
Thanks Resa! So glad you loved it! 🙂
This ranch chicken recipe is out of this world good. Gotta make it with mashed potatoes for sure!