Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken – Crunchy, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor!

If you’re looking for a new family-favorite chicken dinner, this Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken will absolutely hit the spot. It’s golden, buttery, and bursting with bold ranch flavor in every crunchy bite. The best part? It uses simple ingredients and bakes to perfection in just over 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of crushed buttery crackers and ranch seasoning creates an unforgettable crust.
Easy to Prepare: No deep frying, no mess—just coat and bake!
Kid-Friendly & Adult-Approved: A dinner the whole family will love.
Customizable: Add cheese, spices, or your favorite herbs for your own twist.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs (pounded slightly if thick)
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
½ cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
¼ cup melted butter (half a stick)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Make the Coating

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed crackers, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese if using. Stir well until evenly mixed.

3. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt and pepper.

Dip each chicken piece into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then press it into the ranch cracker mixture, covering all sides.

4. Arrange and Bake

Place the coated chicken pieces into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle any leftover melted butter over the top for extra crispiness.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs perfectly with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Oven-roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus
A refreshing garden salad with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette
Mac and cheese or buttery rice for a comfort food combo

Want something lighter? Slice the chicken and serve it on top of a salad or in a sandwich wrap!

Pro Tips & Variations

For extra crunch: Add 1–2 tablespoons of grated parmesan to the coating mix.
Spicy twist: Mix in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for about 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and work just as well in this recipe.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes. Coat the chicken and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 12 hours. Bake just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken isn’t just another baked chicken recipe—it’s a game-changer. With minimal prep and huge flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or casual weekend dinners.

Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple on your dinner table. Don’t forget to pin, share, and leave a comment below if you loved it! Savory Garlic Mushroom Chicken with Spinach