Easy Baked Ranch Chicken
This easy baked ranch chicken is coated in a creamy ranch-mayo binder and panko breadcrumbs for a perfectly crispy crust that stays on. Ready in 35 minutes with just one sheet pan. Juicy chicken, golden crunch, minimal cleanup.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
- Wire Rack
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Shallow Dish
- Instant-Read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (1-oz packet)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt
- fresh chives or dill (for serving)
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with foil (optional). Place a wire rack on top and spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and most of the ranch seasoning (reserve about 1 tablespoon).
- In a shallow dish, toss the panko with the reserved ranch seasoning and olive oil. Pinch with your fingers to coat the crumbs evenly.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt. Toss each piece in the wet mixture, letting excess drip off. Press into the panko mixture to coat evenly. Place on the prepared rack.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is deeply golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (thighs can go to 175°F). Do not flip.
- Let rest on the rack for 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter, scatter chives or dill over the top if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze breaded uncooked chicken on a sheet pan then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen adding 5-8 minutes at 400°F. Reheat in air fryer or 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Tips: Pat chicken very dry before coating. Use a wire rack sprayed with nonstick spray. Do not crowd the pieces. For chicken breasts, pound to even thickness and check temp at 18 minutes. If the breadcrumb coating falls off, it's likely due to not patting dry enough, insufficient pressing of crumbs, or lack of rack grease.