Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is an important first step as it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly. While the oven warms up, take a moment to prepare your baking dish by spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside. It’s crucial for preventing sticking!
In a large shallow bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. You want to mix these ingredients well so that every bite of the chicken is bursting with flavor. Make sure the Panko breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the Parmesan and ranch mixture.
In another bowl, pour in the unsalted butter that you’ve melted. This butter will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken, ensuring a delicious crust.
Take each piece of chicken breast and dip it into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating. This step is crucial for achieving that crunchy texture.
Once all the chicken breasts are coated, place them in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they’re spaced out slightly so they cook evenly. You want them to be golden and crispy!
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through, the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. It’s always a good idea to check with an instant-read thermometer.
If you want an even crispier crust, consider broiling the chicken for a minute or two at the end of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it, so it doesn’t burn! It’s all about that perfect golden color.
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken tender.
Slice and serve your delicious Parmesan Ranch Chicken warm. Enjoy with your favorite sides and savor every bite!
