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This BAKED RANCH CHICKEN is the simple, easy, and the entire family loves it! It’s so moist and has a ton of flavor!
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My husband gets grumpy when he goes too long without red meat. He can be such a baby sometimes. 😉
He’s the same way about pork…mostly bacon. The man could live on bacon, honestly.
Chicken is probably his least favorite protein, so if I’m going to wow him with a chicken dinner, it has to be GOOD.
Enter this ranch cheddar chicken.
He was a little skeptical the first time I plated it up, but then he took a bite of this moist, flavorful, crispy-topped chicken and he didn’t speak again the rest of the meal. He was too busy shoveling it in.
What Readers are Saying!
“I made this and it was absolutely delicious. My husband and son loved it too. I had the left-over piece for lunch the next day and it was even better!” -Jenae
This baked chicken is so moist and flavorful! And it literally could not be easier to make, which makes me love it even more.
Serve it up with my mac and cheese casserole and some sauteed broccoli.
How To Make Baked Ranch Chicken:
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Prepare: This is just about the simplest baked chicken recipe there is. Only a few ingredients so it is quick and easy but still very tasty! While your oven is preheating, mix together mayonnaise and ranch seasoning.
Top: Place the chicken breasts into a baking dish, and then spread the ranch and cheese mixture on top of the chicken breasts. Sprinkle panko over the top to make a nice, crispy coating.
What is Panko?
Panko is a Japanese bread crumb that is light, airy, and crispy. It can be found in most any grocery store. We highly recommend using Panko over traditional bread crumbs in any breading recipe where you want a crispy finished product.
My Favorite Thermometer!
I love using this meat thermometer for making sure the meat is fully cooked! Easy for beginners & absolutely worth the low cost.
My Favorite Vanilla!
I love using this meat thermometer for making sure the meat is at 165 degrees! Easy for beginners & totally worth the $10 cost!
My Favorite Cocoa Powder!
This cocoa powder is Dutch-processed, giving it a rich, deep flavor and color. Hershey’s brand is inexpensive and easy to find.
Make It a Meal!
Bake: Spray the tops of the chicken breasts lightly with cooking spray, and then place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked to 165 degrees and the Panko and cheese is a nice golden brown color. Top with some chopped parsley and serve!
My Favorite Thermometer!
I love using this meat thermometer for making sure the meat is fully cooked! Easy for beginners & absolutely worth the low cost.
Substitions:
- Don’t have any Panko? You can use regular breadcrumbs, but they won’t be quite as crispy.
- Swap the cheddar for any cheese you like. Pepper jack is always a good choice, in my opinion.
- Not sure about the mayonnaise? Sour cream should work in place of it.
- We haven’t tested it, but this recipe should work just as well with chicken thighs.
Baked Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup panko
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Place the chicken in a large baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ranch, and cheddar cheese. Spread on top of the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the panko on top and spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Nutrition Information:
This recipe was originally published in July of 2012. It was updated with new photos and video in January 2021.
Jessica says
This looks great! There are so many tasty ways to cook up chicken that I don’t think I could ever get tired of it — even if your husband disagrees. Congratulations on writing for The Huffington Post! I’m sure you’ll do a fantastic job! We’d love for you to submit a similar recipe to The Search for the Ultimate Weeknight Meal, offering a grand-prize to one lucky blogger who will tape a segment to air on national TV! If you’re interested, check out our contest page for more details. http://www.mrfood.com/Editors-Picks/Search-for-Ultimate-Weeknight-Meal-Blogger-Contest
Kelly of Simply Kelly Designs says
One of my friends pinned this and I had to try it. Made it for dinner tonight and everyone loved it! My kids (3 and 5) even liked it! I used light mayo and it was still delicious!
Thank you for the recipe!
Construction Supplies San Diego says
I know what I am making on Saturday for my dinner party!!!
Onlybyhishands says
Loved it! And so did my family! I received no complaints…usually anything I make new is eaten last and with much pleading but this…this was so good. I am going to try the creamed corn this week too! Thanks for all your recipes, I have tried many of them and they are all good!
Oh yeah that Roasted Strawberry Hotfudge Milkshake….it’s going to get made too!
Karly says
@Onlybyhishands,
Yay! Glad they loved it!
And thank you for the sweet comment. 🙂
Deborah says
Hey, if it’s this chicken all the time, I wouldn’t mind!! 🙂
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
I hate siding with the spouses, but at times, I can get really bored with chicken, too. But anything crunchy, cheesy and ranch-flavored is golden in my book, so I’m pretty sure I could stuff my face with this daily and never be bored again. The end.
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
Yuppppp my bf would go nuts for this. Sometimes I’m bored of chicken for dinner too!!! But this… oh man… this I could DEFINITELY do.
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
Oh wow. This looks incredible! There would be no complaints from my family with this dish!
Katie @ Oh Shine On says
Nothing shuts a family member up better than a delicious meal. It’s my go-to for nearly everything.
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says
Yum, yum, yum….I make something similar with mayo and parm cheese….now I have a new idea to mix it up 🙂
Joanne says
One of these days my boyfriend is going to start doing that, except with vegetables. “Do we have to be vegetarian EVERY time you cook?” he’ll ask. I can feel it.
Leigh says
This article came just in time. I pulled up my browser to look for a panko chicken fingers recipe, and this was in my RSS feed. I made this for my husband who was gone for 4 days for work. We loved it! What a great way to welcome him home.
Adriana says
Sounds so yum. Think I might sub the mayo with greek yogurt to save a few calories. Can’t wait! Oh and I thought my hubby was the only one who complained about chicken!
Cami says
@Adriana, Good idea! If you want the flavor of mayo you could use light or fat free. I use light in mine
danielle says
This sounds so yum. I’m totally making it. Just not tonight because it’s 8:23 and I just got home from work and I’m too tired to actually cook anything. I shall make it this weekend. After I make your blooming onion bread.
Janet says
Hi, I read your comment about the blooming onion bread, sounds so good, I searched all over this website and can’t find the recipe? Can you help me find it? Thanks 🙂
danielle says
@Janet,
Yup! I have it bookmarked. It’s one of my favorites. 🙂
http://bunsinmyoven.com/2011/06/30/bloomin-onion-bread/
Lauren says
This looks friggin’ amazing!