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Baked Ranch Chicken

Baked ranch chicken with a crispy golden ranch and Parmesan crust that crackles and bronzes in the oven. Juicy baked chicken breasts are deeply seasoned with ranch mix, garlic, and smoked paprika for an easy weeknight chicken dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and topping
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.25 cup Fresh chives or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish so the chicken releases easily and browns well.
  2. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then place the breasts in the prepared dish in a single layer.
  3. Mix the mayonnaise with the ranch seasoning until combined, then spread generously over the top of each chicken breast so it fully coats the surface.
  4. Combine the Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then press the mixture over the mayonnaise-coated chicken to create an even crunchy layer.
  5. Bake for 22-25 minutes at 400°F until the crust is golden and bronzed and the topping looks crackled.
  6. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, using the thickest part of a breast as the guide for doneness.
  7. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley and serve immediately for best crunch.

Notes

Pro tip: press the Parmesan-panko mixture firmly onto the mayonnaise so it adheres and crackles instead of falling off. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot to help re-crisp the crust. Freezing is not recommended because the breadcrumb topping can soften. For a lower-fat swap, use light mayonnaise and reduce Parmesan slightly while keeping the ranch seasoning mix the same.