Ever find yourself staring into your fridge at 5 PM, wondering how to transform plain old chicken into something your family will actually cheer for? Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken is here to save the day—and your sanity. Crunchy, savory, and dripping with that irresistible ranch flavor, this recipe is my secret weapon for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike.
I’ve been obsessed with ranch-flavored everything since my teenage years (don’t judge me—it was the early 2000s). This dish became my go-to when my kids declared “no more boring chicken,” and I needed a dinner that felt special but didn’t have me tied to the stove all evening. Trust me—Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken might just become your new hero, too.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken
- Flavor Explosion: Thanks to that ranch seasoning packet, every bite bursts with savory, herby goodness.
- Crispy Goodness: The crushed cornflakes give this chicken a crunchy crust without deep-frying.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters in my house gobble this up.
- Quick and Easy: From fridge to table in about 35 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this crowd-pleaser:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup melted butter
These are everyday ingredients you probably already have lurking in your pantry. (Seriously, I think ranch packets multiply in my spice drawer when I’m not looking.)
How to Make Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken
Let’s break it down step by step. No fancy chef skills required!
- Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. - Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Simple but essential for flavor! - Make the Crunchy Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine crushed cornflakes and the ranch seasoning packet. Crush the cornflakes into fine crumbs, leaving a few bigger bits for that crave-worthy crunch. - Dip and Dredge:
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture first, then coat it in the ranch cornflake mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken so they stick like glue. - Get Ready to Bake:
Place the breaded chicken in your prepared baking dish. Pour the melted butter over the top of each piece. Yes, this step is crucial for that gorgeous golden crust! - Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the juices run clear and a meat thermometer reads 165°F.
Pull it out, let it rest for a few minutes (if you can wait), and serve it up!
Aneta’s Top Tips for Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken
- Cornflake Hack: I toss my cornflakes in a zip-top bag and gently roll them with a rolling pin. It’s oddly therapeutic—and less messy than smashing them with your fists, though that works too if it’s been that kind of day.
- Cut Evenly: Try to pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness. It helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- No Butter? No problem. You can drizzle olive oil instead, but the butter adds an extra layer of flavor (and that glorious golden crunch).
- Make It Spicy: Toss a little cayenne or chili powder into the cornflake mix for a gentle kick.
A Little Backstory
Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken and I go way back. Years ago, on a hectic Tuesday evening, I found myself staring at a pack of chicken breasts, completely uninspired and desperate to avoid another “meh” dinner. Then I remembered my love for ranch dressing (it’s practically a food group in my house). A packet of ranch mix, some cornflakes, and a splash of melted butter later, this recipe was born—and my family declared it the best chicken ever. Now it’s my trusty secret weapon for impressing guests or saving busy weeknights. And I’m so excited to share it with you!
FAQs About Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay wonderfully juicy and work great in this recipe. Just adjust baking time as needed.
Can I substitute breadcrumbs for cornflakes?
Yes, but you’ll lose some of that signature crunch. Cornflakes are my crispy secret weapon here.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep it crispy.
Bringing It All Together
If you’re craving a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and downright delicious, Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken is your ticket to weeknight magic. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy texture and tangy ranch flavor that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven—and keep your family coming back for seconds.
Let me know how it goes if you give it a try. And remember: there’s always room in your recipe box for a little chicken magic!
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Absolutely Love
If you loved this Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken, why stop there? Here are some other delicious chicken recipes you’ll want to add to your meal rotation:
- Satisfy your cheesy cravings with this ultra-comforting Queso Baked Chicken—a creamy, baked masterpiece perfect for busy weeknights.
- Craving something ultra-rich and decadent? Don’t miss my wildly popular Million Dollar Chicken Bake for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- Keep the ranch vibes going with a pasta twist in this flavorful BBQ Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad that’s perfect for potlucks or meal prep.
- Or take a tropical detour with this sweet and savory Hawaiian Chicken for a fun spin on dinner that’ll transport you straight to the islands.
Dive in and discover even more ways to bring a little chicken magic to your table!
Print
Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken is a delicious, family-friendly dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in ranch-seasoned cornflakes, then baked to golden, crunchy perfection. Quick, easy, and bursting with savory flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight hero for busy cooks who still want something special on the table!
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs
2 cups crushed cornflakes
1 packet ranch dressing mix
½ cup melted butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
Season each chicken breast with salt and black pepper.
In a shallow bowl, mix crushed cornflakes and ranch dressing mix. Crush cornflakes into smaller crumbs but leave some larger bits for extra crunch.
In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs.
Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, then coat in the ranch-seasoned cornflakes. Press crumbs firmly onto the chicken to help them stick.
Arrange the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Pour melted butter evenly over the top of the chicken breasts.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until juices run clear and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crunch, don’t crush the cornflakes too finely—some texture is what makes this dish shine!
Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts; just adjust cooking time as needed.
Swap melted butter for olive oil if preferred, though butter gives a richer crust.
Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne to the cornflake mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner , lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1080 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg