Crispy Ranch Chicken Delights
This Crispy Ranch Chicken recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike! Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful ranch seasoning blend and baked to golden perfection. It's incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Pair it with baked potatoes, using the remaining ranch mix to create a delicious topping or salad dressing for added flavor. Your family will ask for this dish again and again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
4 (rinsed)
ranch dressing mix
0.5 (1 ounce) package (mixed with other dry ingredients)
dry breadcrumbs
1 cup (combined with ranch mix)
eggs
2 (beaten)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
butter
as needed (for greasing the dish and topping chicken)
crackers
optional (crushed and mixed with breadcrumbs)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a 1-quart storage bag, combine the ranch dressing mix, salt, pepper, and dry breadcrumbs. Shake well to mix thoroughly.
3
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well-combined.
4
Rinse each chicken breast under cold water, then dredge it first in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
5
Next, place the chicken into the bag with the breadcrumb mixture. Seal the bag and shake gently until the chicken is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the coated chicken breasts into a generously buttered 13x9-inch glass baking dish. Place a small pat of butter on top of each chicken breast for extra richness.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts.
8
For a variation, you can use prepared ranch dressing instead of eggs. Simply dredge the chicken in dressing and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture or a mix of breadcrumbs and crushed crackers for a crunchier texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Ranch Chicken Delights?
It is a simple weeknight meal consisting of juicy chicken breasts coated in ranch seasoning and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden and crispy.
What oven temperature is required?
The recipe requires preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long should I bake the chicken?
Bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are chicken breasts, ranch dressing mix, dry breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, and butter.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 4 boneless chicken breasts, which typically serves 4 people.
Can I use prepared ranch dressing instead of eggs?
Yes, you can dredge the chicken in prepared ranch dressing instead of eggs for a flavorful variation.
How do I coat the chicken with breadcrumbs?
Place the chicken into a bag containing the breadcrumb and ranch mixture, seal it, and shake gently until evenly coated.
What size baking dish do I need?
A 13x9-inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, the dish should be generously buttered before adding the chicken to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Why is butter added to the top of the chicken?
Small pats of butter are placed on top of each chicken breast to add extra richness and help the coating brown.
Can I use crackers for the coating?
Yes, you can use crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs or a mix of both for a crunchier texture.
What kind of ranch mix is used?
The recipe calls for half of a 1-ounce package of dry ranch dressing mix.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be a hit with both kids and adults due to its familiar and savory flavor.
What should I serve with this chicken?
Baked potatoes are a great pairing, especially if you use the remaining ranch mix for toppings or salad dressing.
How do I prepare the ranch seasoning blend?
In a 1-quart storage bag, combine the dry ranch dressing mix, salt, pepper, and dry breadcrumbs and shake well.
What if I have larger chicken breasts?
Cooking time may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts, so ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
Do I need to beat the eggs?
Yes, the eggs should be beaten in a separate bowl until well-combined before you begin dredging the chicken.
Should I rinse the chicken?
The instructions suggest rinsing each chicken breast under cold water before dredging them in the eggs.
What texture should the coating have?
The finished coating should be crispy and golden once it is fully baked.
Is this an easy recipe?
Yes, it is described as incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I use different types of chicken?
While the recipe calls for boneless breasts, the method can be adapted for other cuts like thighs, though cooking times will change.
Can I make a salad dressing with the leftovers?
Yes, you can use the remaining ranch mix from the package to create a delicious salad dressing.
How do I ensure the coating stays on?
Dredging the chicken in eggs first creates a binder that helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the meat.
Can I use whole wheat breadcrumbs?
Yes, dry breadcrumbs of any variety can be used for this recipe successfully.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the dry coating mix to taste.
How do I prevent the chicken from being dry?
The butter added on top and the protective coating help lock in moisture while the chicken bakes.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prep the dry mix ahead of time, but it is best to coat and bake the chicken immediately for the best texture.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The primary flavor is savory ranch with a buttery, crispy breadcrumb finish.
Is there a specific way to shake the bag?
Shake the sealed bag gently to ensure the chicken is evenly coated without making a mess.
Is this a healthy option?
Since it is baked rather than deep-fried, it is a lighter alternative to traditional crispy fried chicken.