Elevate your dinner game with Waunita Ranch Chicken, a flavorful and tender dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. This recipe combines the tangy richness of buttermilk with the savory kick of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika for a perfectly seasoned marinade that infuses every bite with bold flavor. After soaking in the marinade, the chicken is seared to golden perfection and baked until juicy and tender. A sprinkle of ranch seasoning adds an extra layer of herby goodness, while a fresh parsley garnish provides a vibrant finishing touch. Ready in under an hour, this easy, oven-baked chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a crisp garden salad. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, Waunita Ranch Chicken is a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal full of flavor and versatility.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until smooth to create the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the marinade.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.
Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the oven and rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Serve hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh garden salad.
Calories |
1740 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.7 g | 84% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 618 mg | 206% | |
| Sodium | 3972 mg | 173% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.0 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.4 g | ||
| Protein | 228.8 g | 458% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 375 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 7.5 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 2209 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.