Description
This Ranch Crusted Chicken recipe is a flavorful and crispy baked chicken dish coated with a creamy ranch-seasoned sour cream mixture and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. It’s a simple yet delicious meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, delivering tender, juicy chicken breasts with a golden, crispy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Ranch Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6 teaspoons ranch dip seasoning mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch)
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 to create thinner cutlets, then gently pound them to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Make Ranch Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine the sour cream and ranch dip seasoning mix until smooth and well blended.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each butterflied chicken breast into the ranch sour cream mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, dredge the coated chicken breasts in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere well to the surface.
- Bake: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Broil for Crispiness: Turn your oven to high broil and carefully broil the chicken breasts for a few minutes. Watch closely and broil until the tops are golden brown and crispy, taking care not to burn the crust.
Notes
- Butterflying and pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and a tender result.
- Use parchment paper or foil-lined baking sheets for easy cleanup.
- Broiling at the end adds extra crunch to the breadcrumb crust but requires close attention to avoid burning.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
