Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe (Crispy)

You only need 5 ingredients to make this easy and flavorful baked ranch chicken recipe in less than 1 hour. It is great for busy weeknights dinners.

Suitable for gluten free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

Chicken doesn’t have to be fried to be crispy, and it doesn’t have to be dredged in gluten-laden flour or breadcrumbs! Baking can give you incredibly crunchy chicken, especially when it’s coated in gluten free cornflakes. 

Ranch Chicken Recipe

Classic Ranch seasoning gives this Ranch Chicken Recipe so much flavor, and it comes out juicy and tender every single time. And while you’re at it, sprinkle a bit of ranch seasoning mix on some steamed veggies or grilled veggies for a quick and healthy side dish!

This family favorite chicken with a golden brown, crunchy crust is great for busy weeknight dinners, dinner parties and more.

Like this crispy Doritos Chicken, this kid-friendly Ranch Baked Chicken recipe cooks quickly and it’s so easy to double or triple. Freeze some for later or make this when your kids bring friends home. Everyone will love this recipe and full bellies equal happy kids! 

Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken Breast with its delicious ranch dressing flavor is good all on its own, but you can easily make it a full meal by serving with rice and your favorite vegetables, or slice and serve it on top of a big green salad.

And if you like this chicken dish, then you’ll love Ranch Sheetpan Chicken and Veggies Dinner, really easy Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole, super crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken and baked Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast.

Why Make This Recipe

• Only 5 Ingredients – There are only a handful of ingredients which includes things you already have in your pantry. 
• Affordable – This is a budget friendly recipe – especially if you get the meat on offer and freeze till needed.
• Flavorful – Not only is this ranch flavor chicken simple, it is incredibly tasty. 
• Crispy and Juicy –  Baking lets the coating get super crispy while the chicken stays nice and juicy!

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – We’ve selected boneless skinless chicken breasts, but boneless chicken thighs, tenders, and drumsticks would all be tasty options. 
• Olive oil – or melted butter or whatever light oil you happen to have on hand.
• Crushed cornflakes – Use gluten free cornflakes if needed. You can also use Panko bread crumbs, gluten free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
• Ranch seasoning mix – Look for the packets in the salad dressing of your grocery store. You’ll need a one-ounce packet for this recipe. I used the hidden valley ranch seasoning packet.
• Grated parmesan cheese – Fresh or the kind in the shaker. 

How To Make Baked Ranch Chicken

Get the full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat the oven and brush the chicken with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
2. Mix crush cornflakes, ranch seasoning and grated parmesan in a shallow medium bowl.
3. Coat the chicken breasts in cornflakes mixture and put in a prepared baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
4. Cover loosely with foil and bake chicken for 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil then bake for another 10-15 minutes till the chicken is fully cooked.

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165F / 74C when inserted into the thickest part of chicken breasts.

Tips For Success

• Purchase plain cornflakes. Do not use frosted flakes or this recipe will be too sweet. 
• Crush the cornflakes very well. You don’t want a powder, but you do want to avoid large pieces of cornflakes.
• To ensure an even coating, gently press the chicken breast into the cornflake mixture. 
• Be sure to cook chicken covered with foil for the first 30 minutes of cooking time. This will prevent the cornflakes from burning. 
• Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165F / 74C to be considered safe to eat. 
• Remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches the appropriate temperature to keep it juicy – otherwise you might end up with dry chicken. 

Variations

• Use Other Seasonings – Swap out the ranch seasoning for your favorite seasoning blend such as taco, fajita, jerk seasoning, garlic, or whatever combination you create!
• Add extra flavor – dredge chicken in mayonnaise or greek yogurt or sour cream before covering in cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs.
• Use Different Cuts of Chicken – We used chicken breasts but you could use any cut of chicken. If you use skin on or bone in pieces you will need to adjust the cooking time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
• Top it Off – Top the cooked chicken with melted cheddar cheese, bacon or any of your favorite toppings. 
• Even out the meat – if the chicken breasts are very uneven, then pound them into an even thickness before cooking.
• Vary the meat – this works well with pork chops

Budget-Friendly Tips 

• Buy Chicken in Bulk – Stock up on chicken when it is on sale or buy it in bulk and store it in the freezer. 
• Freeze Leftover Cornflakes – Don’t waste any of the cornflakes! Place unused cornflakes into a freezer bag and pop them in the freezer. They will keep well for about 6 months, so you can make this recipe over and over. 
• Make Ranch Seasoning –  It’s not difficult to make homemade ranch seasoning with a few spices and seasonings. 
• Use Leftovers – Leftover chicken can be served over a salad or in a wrap for a flavorful lunch.
• Make it a Meal – Serve the chicken with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes and steamed veggies or a salad to make it a complete meal.

Make Ahead And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Prepare the cornflake and ranch mixture in advance for easy prep or freeze the chicken for later. 
• Store – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 
• Freeze – This ranch chicken recipe freezes well before and after it’s baked.  Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan and flash freeze for 1-2 hours. Put the frozen breasts into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Note: If you freeze pre-baked chicken, it may not be as crispy when reheated. 
• Reheat – Thaw out as many pieces of chicken that you need. Bake uncooked chicken according to the recipe. To reheat previously cooked chicken, bake at 400F for 5 minutes or until heated through. 

FAQs

More Ranch Chicken Recipes You Make Like

For more recipes the whole family will love check out these below

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps. Great for lunchboxes.
• Ranch Chicken Thighs. Quick and easy.
• Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole. Family loved best chicken recipe.
• Ranch Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies. Great recipe for weeknights.

More Chicken Recipes

• Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad.
• Copycat Chipotle Chicken.
• Meal Prep Greek Chicken.
• Cajun Chicken.
• Kung Pao Chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Instant Pot Red Potatoes. Makes the perfect side.
• Foil Pack Grilled Red Potatoes. Just as quick and easy as the main dish.
• Chipotle Copycat Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice. So, so good.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 4 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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Did you make this recipe? Then I would love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a comment and star rating below. And I really appreciate you sharing this recipe with your family and friends. Enjoy every mouthful 😊🍲 – Bintu

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