Imagine a chicken dish so flavorful and juicy that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece. This Ranch Herb Marinated Chicken is not just another recipe—it's a game-changing meal that combines the tangy zest of ranch dressing with aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together ranch dressing mix, olive oil, vinegar, dried thyme, and dried oregano until well combined and smooth.
- Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow glass dish, ensuring they are in a single layer.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each breast is completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) or prepare an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Season both sides with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- If baking, place chicken on a lined baking sheet. If grilling, oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), turning once halfway through cooking.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Slice and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or additional dried herb blend.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Allow at least 30 minutes for marinating, but for maximum flavor, aim for 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Room Temperature Matters: Let chicken sit out for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in those delicious juices.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: This recipe works perfectly in the oven or on the grill, giving you flexibility.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil as a final garnish for added freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
