Easy Baked Ranch Chicken Dinner Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Thighs: I recommend bone-in, skin-on for juiciness and flavor. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work well too. For a vegetarian option, consider using hearty veggies, like eggplant or portobello mushrooms.

Ranch Seasoning Mix: This gives the dish its iconic flavor. If you don’t have ranch mix, you can blend buttermilk powder with herbs like dill, parsley, and chives for a homemade version!

Baby Potatoes: They cook quickly and have great flavor. If you can’t find them, regular potatoes cut into small cubes will be just fine. Sweet potatoes are a nice alternative too for a twist.

Carrots: Baby carrots are convenient, but you can use regular carrots sliced into rounds. Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or asparagus for extra color and nutrition!

How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?

Getting juicy chicken can be easy if you follow a few steps. First, preheat your oven to get that ideal bake going.

• Check that chicken pieces are evenly coated in the seasoning for full flavor.
• Bake uncovered to allow for crispy skin; broiling at the end can help with crunchiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chickens reach 165°F for safe eating.

Let it rest a few minutes before serving, so juices settle back in for more moisture!

Easy Baked Ranch Chicken Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)

For the Vegetables:

• 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby carrots or sliced carrots

For Garnishing:

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dinner takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and around 35-45 minutes to bake in the oven. Total time is roughly 50 minutes at most! You’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the chicken perfectly and get that nice, crispy skin.

2. Mix the Seasonings:

In a large bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Stir these dry ingredients together until they’re mixed well.

3. Coat the Chicken:

Add the olive oil to the seasoning mix and stir to create a nice paste. Now, take your chicken pieces and place them in the bowl. Toss them around until they’re thoroughly coated with the seasoning mixture.

4. Prepare the Baking Dish:

Grab a baking dish and spread the halved baby potatoes and carrots evenly across the bottom. This will not only help them cook but also soak up all those yummy flavors!

5. Assemble the Dish:

Now, take your seasoned chicken and place it on top of the vegetables in the baking dish. Make sure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded for even cooking!

6. Bake:

Put your dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 35-45 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through (check for 165°F/74°C with a meat thermometer) and the potatoes should be fork-tender.

7. Crisping (Optional):

If you want extra crispy chicken skin, switch to broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

8. Garnish and Serve:

When you take the dish out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting baked ranch chicken dinner!

Enjoy your flavorful, easy, and comforting baked ranch chicken dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Use Skinless Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can! Skinless chicken breasts or thighs will work just fine. However, cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and consider adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.

What Should I Serve With This Dish?

This baked ranch chicken pairs wonderfully with a side salad, steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. You could also serve it with a creamy coleslaw for crunch!