Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s so delicious, it’s been dubbed "Chicken to Die For"? This mouthwatering recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy ranch dressing and a crispy breadcrumb topping, creating a flavor explosion that will leave you and your guests begging for seconds! Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also promises to impress. Dive into this recipe and discover how to make a chicken dish that will become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispier texture.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Pour the ranch dressing into a shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast into the ranch dressing, coating it completely and allowing excess to drip off.
- In another shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs with half of the shredded cheese. This will create a flavorful and crunchy coating.
- Roll each ranch-coated chicken breast in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well to all sides of the chicken.
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the chicken breasts.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or additional ranch dressing on the side.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can marinate the chicken in ranch dressing for a few hours or overnight. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Crispier Coating: For an extra crispy texture, consider toasting the breadcrumbs in a pan with a little olive oil before coating the chicken. This will add a delightful crunch.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors to your dish.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step after baking. Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes will help lock in the juices, making every bite juicy and tender.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of additional ranch dressing not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful touch to your dish when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
