5 Delicious Ranch Direct Chicken Recipes for Easy Dinners

Welcome to a culinary adventure that celebrates the versatility of ranch seasoning! This post is dedicated to showcasing how a simple spice blend can transform ordinary chicken dinners into extraordinary dishes. From marinating to seasoning, ranch mix can add a burst of flavor that makes your meals more delightful and memorable. Here are five delicious ranch direct chicken recipes that are perfect for easy dinners, ensuring your meal prep is not only fun but also flavorful.

Recipe 1: Ranch Marinated Grilled Chicken

What You'll Need:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• ½ cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper to make a marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a marinating dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for more flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remember to baste the chicken with extra marinade to enhance its flavor.
5. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.

🌟 Note: Always ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked to avoid health risks. A meat thermometer is your best friend here.

Recipe 2: Ranch Baked Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ranch seasoning mix with mayonnaise, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese to create a paste.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish.
4. Brush the ranch mixture over the chicken, ensuring to coat both sides evenly.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🌟 Note: Using skin-on chicken thighs ensures juiciness and adds a delightful crispy texture to the dish.

Recipe 3: Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth

How to Prepare:

1. Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
2. Mix the ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth in a bowl until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Serve the shredded chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or in wraps.

🌟 Note: You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.

Recipe 4: Ranch Chicken Strips

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
2. In one bowl, combine ranch seasoning with breadcrumbs. In another bowl, whisk the egg with buttermilk.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
4. Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 3-4 minutes each until they're golden brown and crispy.
5. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

🌟 Note: For a healthier version, you can bake these strips at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Recipe 5: Ranch Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (use leftover ranch baked chicken or any method above)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup celery, finely chopped
• ¼ cup red grapes, halved
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice to make the dressing.
2. Add the shredded chicken, celery, and grapes to the bowl.
3. Gently fold the ingredients into the dressing until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve over greens, in sandwiches, or as a dip with crackers.

In these five recipes, you've seen how ranch seasoning can be your secret ingredient to elevate your chicken dishes to new heights. Each method offers a unique twist on flavor, texture, and preparation, making dinners both easy and delightful. Whether you're grilling, baking, slow cooking, frying, or mixing up a salad, ranch adds that subtle yet distinct taste that makes each meal special. From the zesty grilled chicken to the comforting slow cooker recipe, these meals are perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning mix?

+

While store-bought ranch dressing can be used, it’s typically thinner and might not adhere well to the chicken or provide the same flavor intensity. For the best results, use ranch seasoning mix or blend your own with dried herbs and spices.

How can I make a ranch seasoning mix at home?

+

Combine 2 tablespoons dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried basil, and ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt. Adjust to taste and store in an airtight container.

Can ranch chicken be prepared in advance?

+

Yes, most of these recipes are meal-prep friendly. Marinated chicken, baked chicken, and even the chicken salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the cooked chicken or serve the salad chilled.