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Easy 20-Minute Ranch Chicken Recipe with Crispy Herb Crust Perfect for Quick Dinners

Easy 20-Minute Ranch Chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy ranch chicken recipe featuring a crispy herb crust, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons store-bought ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100 g), or gluten-free panko as substitute
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25 g), optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, parsley, dried thyme, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in melted butter if using.
  4. Lightly brush both sides of each chicken breast with about 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  5. Press each chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
  6. Heat a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the crusted chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish before baking.
  8. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness. If crust browns too quickly, tent with foil. Pounding chicken to even thickness ensures even cooking. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese alternative. Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: ranch chicken, quick dinner, crispy herb crust, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, panko crust, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/easy-20-minute-ranch-chicken-recipe-with-crispy-herb-crust-perfect-for-quick-dinners/