Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken

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Golden, juicy, and irresistibly crunchy — Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken is the kind of comfort food that wins hearts at first bite. Each piece is wrapped in a savory blend of ranch seasoning and buttery crunch, delivering that perfect bite every time. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner or as a party appetizer, this dish has that “just one more piece” magic.

This recipe is all about texture and flavor. The chicken is first coated in a creamy ranch mix, then dredged in buttery seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to a beautiful crisp. There’s no deep frying involved, but the outcome rivals your favorite fried chicken — with much less mess and a whole lot more flavor.

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Ingredients for the Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken

• Chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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How To Make the Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for optimal crisping.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. This is your first layer of flavor.

Step 3: Make the Dipping Stations

Set up two bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with a mix of panko breadcrumbs and ranch seasoning.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, letting excess drip off, then press into the breadcrumb-ranch mixture until well coated.

Step 5: Add the Butter Finish

Place coated chicken on the baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter or brush it on generously. This step is key for that buttery crisp crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).

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Serving and Storing Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken

Serve these hot and crispy straight from the oven with a side of creamy dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad. For a party platter, slice into strips and offer alongside toothpicks and a trio of sauces.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch. Avoid microwaving unless you’re okay with losing some crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?

Panko is ideal for crispiness, but you can substitute with crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs if needed.

Can this be made in the air fryer?

Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the juices should run clear.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Use dairy-free butter alternatives and make sure your ranch mix is dairy-free too.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze cooked chicken for up to a month. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.

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