Description
This Ranch Crusted Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a creamy sour cream and ranch seasoning mixture, then crusted with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Baked to perfection and finished with a quick broil, it delivers a crunchy, flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Ranch Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 6 teaspoons ranch dip seasoning mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch)
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butterfly the chicken breasts lengthwise and then pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- Make Ranch Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine 1 cup of sour cream with 6 teaspoons of ranch dip seasoning mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each butterflied chicken breast into the ranch sour cream mixture, coating it evenly on all sides. Next, dredge the coated chicken in 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well to the surface.
- Bake: Place the breaded chicken breasts on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Broil for Crispiness: Switch your oven to the broil setting on high. Broil the chicken breasts for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning, until the tops turn golden brown and crispy, adding a perfect crunchy finish.
Notes
- Butterflying and pounding the chicken breasts ensure even cooking and better coating adherence.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Broil carefully and watch closely to prevent burning the breadcrumb crust.
- Parchment paper or foil on the baking sheet helps with easier cleanup.
- Feel free to swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
