Creamy Baked Ranch Chicken with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
This baked chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of ranch seasoning, panko breadcrumbs, and three types of cheese. The combination of garlic, smoked paprika, and melted butter creates a crispy, golden topping that is both savory and satisfying. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheese and Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well so that the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Mince Garlic and Combine with Wet Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, mayonnaise, and minced garlic together until smooth and combined. This mixture will help keep the chicken moist and bind the breadcrumb topping.
- Coat the Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Brush each breast generously with the butter, mayonnaise, and garlic mixture, ensuring they are fully coated on top. Then, evenly sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture over the coated chicken, pressing lightly to adhere the topping.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ranch seasoning with a homemade blend of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use fresh Parmesan and cheddar cheese for best flavor; pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents which can affect melting.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking to retain juices and improve tenderness.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd, just use a larger baking dish or cook in batches.
Keywords: baked chicken, ranch chicken, cheesy baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, panko breadcrumb chicken, oven-baked chicken breasts
