Craving crispy, golden perfection without the guilt? This Crispy Ranch Unfried Chicken is your answer to achieving all the crunch of fried chicken, but baked to a healthier finish. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are marinated in tangy buttermilk and ranch seasoning, then coated in a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. With a spritz of olive oil spray and just 25 minutes in the oven, you’ll get irresistibly crunchy, ranch-infused breading that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfectly paired with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad, this easy-to-make oven-baked chicken is destined to become a weeknight favorite. Healthy, flavorful, and kid-approved—it's the ultimate comfort food makeover!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin, if necessary. This ensures they cook evenly.
In a shallow dish, combine the buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix. Stir well.
In another dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto both sides of the chicken to ensure an even coating.
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad.
Calories |
1888 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.2 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.7 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 658 mg | 219% | |
| Sodium | 4488 mg | 195% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 86.3 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.4 g | ||
| Protein | 254.1 g | 508% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 839 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 10.5 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 2204 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.