Ingredients
Scale
- 1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon dill weed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 garlic cloves, grated on a microplane grater
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally to make 4 fillets
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 425°F. This high temperature will help create a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the chicken moist inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Create Ranch Mixture – In a bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, dill weed, onion powder, black pepper, salt, grated garlic cloves, and mayonnaise. Whisk together until smooth and well-incorporated. This creamy, flavorful mixture will act as both a marinade and a binding agent for the breading.
- Prepare Breading – In a separate bowl, mix the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. The butter helps the crumbs brown beautifully and adds rich flavor, while the Parmesan brings a savory note that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly.
- Coat the Chicken – Take each chicken fillet and thoroughly coat it in the mayonnaise-ranch mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides. This layer not only adds flavor but helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken – Dredge each coated chicken fillet in the Panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks well to all surfaces. Place the breaded fillets on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Bake to Perfection – Bake the chicken at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. For food safety and optimal juiciness, use an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached at least 165°F. The chicken should be beautifully golden on the outside and perfectly tender inside.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place the chicken on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around the entire piece.
- You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the breading mixture for additional flavor.
- This recipe works well with chicken tenders or thighs as well – just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise.
- Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm up in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken fillet
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1199mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: ranch chicken, baked chicken, crispy chicken, panko chicken, parmesan chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family dinner