Craving a dinner that's crispy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make? Look no further than this PW Wednesdays Ranch Style Chicken that will revolutionize your weeknight meal routine! Imagine tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy, ranch-seasoned cornflake crust that's so delicious, your family will be begging for seconds before they've finished their first bite.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispier exterior.
- In a shallow dish, combine the ranch dressing mix packet with the crushed cornflakes. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ranch seasoning evenly throughout the cornflake crumbs.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Melt the butter in a separate shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast first into the melted butter, ensuring complete coverage.
- After buttering, immediately coat each chicken breast in the ranch-cornflake mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere completely to the chicken.
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 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 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Pat your chicken breasts completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better coating adhesion.
- Use fresh, crisp cornflakes and crush them into fine, even crumbs for the most uniform coating.
- Don't skip the butter dip - it helps the seasoning stick and creates a golden, crispy exterior.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to keep the meat juicy and prevent dry, tough texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to your cornflake mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier version, mix some cayenne pepper into your coating for a zesty kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 125mg
