This oven-baked ranch chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a zesty ranch seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs well with a variety of sides.
The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy cooks. You can customize the seasoning to your taste or add vegetables for a complete meal.
Overview of Oven-Baked Ranch Chicken
This oven-baked ranch chicken is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts and zesty ranch seasoning.
With its golden-brown exterior and juicy interior, it’s a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight meal.
The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this tasty option.
Ingredients and Preparation
To create this dish, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
The star of the show is the chicken, complemented by a ranch seasoning mix that adds a burst of flavor.
A drizzle of olive oil, along with garlic and onion powder, enhances the taste, while salt and pepper round out the seasoning.
Preparation is straightforward.
Start by preheating your oven and patting the chicken breasts dry.
Once they are ready, coat them with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the top.
Baking Process
Once seasoned, the chicken is ready for the oven.
Baking at 400°F (200°C) allows the chicken to cook evenly while developing a beautiful golden crust.
In just 25 to 30 minutes, the chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature, ensuring it is safe to eat and bursting with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines when paired with sides that complement its rich flavors.
Consider serving the oven-baked ranch chicken alongside roasted vegetables, which add both color and nutrition to the plate.
Mashed potatoes also make a wonderful accompaniment, providing a creamy contrast to the seasoned chicken.
For a finishing touch, garnish the chicken with fresh parsley.
This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of freshness to each bite.
Creating the Perfect Dining Atmosphere
The presentation of your meal can elevate the dining experience.
Serving the chicken on a white plate against a rustic wooden table creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The contrast of colors from the golden chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes makes for an enticing visual.
Nutrition and Benefits
This oven-baked ranch chicken is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, making it a satisfying yet light option for dinner.
With 36 grams of protein, it supports a healthy diet while keeping carbohydrates low, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Easy Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe
This baked ranch chicken features juicy chicken breasts coated in ranch seasoning and baked until golden brown. The dish takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in a baking dish.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on top.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 2g