Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mouthwatering Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs! Imagine perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken with a crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat that will have your family begging for seconds. This foolproof recipe combines the beloved ranch flavor with simple ingredients, making it the ultimate weeknight meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes crispy skin.
- In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning packet with olive oil to create a smooth paste-like marinade.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides, then generously coat each thigh with the ranch seasoning mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for added freshness.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and better seasoning adhesion.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavorful and juicy results. The skin helps lock in moisture and creates that irresistible crispy texture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - leave space between the thighs to allow hot air to circulate and promote even cooking and crispy skin.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- For extra flavor, try mixing some additional herbs like dried thyme or rosemary into the ranch seasoning mixture.
- If you want an extra crispy skin, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
