Description
This Ranch Crusted Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a creamy ranch seasoning and crispy panko breadcrumb crust. Baked to perfection and finished with a quick broil, it offers a deliciously golden and crunchy exterior paired with flavorful, moist chicken. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ranch Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6 teaspoons ranch dip seasoning mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch)
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butterfly each chicken breast lengthwise and then pound them to about ½-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Make Ranch Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the sour cream and ranch dip seasoning mix until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each flattened chicken breast into the ranch sour cream mixture, fully coating each side. Then, dredge the coated chicken breasts thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so that the breadcrumbs adhere well to the surface.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
- Broil for Crispiness: Switch the oven to broil and place the chicken under high heat for a few minutes. Watch carefully and broil until the breadcrumb crust turns golden brown and crispy, being careful to avoid burning.
Notes
- Butterflying and pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and helps the crumbs stick better.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; the safe internal temperature for poultry is 165°F (74°C).
- Broiling is key to achieving a crunchy, golden crust without overcooking the chicken.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the ranch mixture.
- Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
