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Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

Parmesan Ranch Chicken is a simple and flavorful baked chicken recipe featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a crispy mixture of panko bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and dry ranch seasoning. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, baked to a golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a burst of freshness.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)

Coating

  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh parsley, for serving
  • Lemon slices, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken evenly and developing a golden crust.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts: Use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness. This step helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents drying out.
  3. Prepare the coating mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of dry ranch dressing mix. This flavorful blend will create a crispy and savory crust.
  4. Coat the chicken: Dip each pounded chicken breast into the 1/4 cup of melted butter, then roll it thoroughly in the bread crumb mixture, ensuring the entire surface is coated for a crunchy texture.
  5. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  6. Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The crust should be golden and crispy.
  7. Serve and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon slices for an optional zesty finish that brightens up the dish.

Notes

  • Using panko bread crumbs ensures a lighter, crispier crust compared to regular bread crumbs.
  • You can substitute unsalted butter with olive oil if preferred for a different flavor profile.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in the ranch dressing before coating.
  • Make sure not to overbake the chicken to maintain juiciness.
  • This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.