Ranch chicken Recipe

Craving a comforting and flavorful dinner? My ranch chicken recipe is here to delight your taste buds with its tender, juicy meat infused with creamy buttermilk and ranch seasoning.

This recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing a cozy family meal, this ranch chicken is sure to impress.

Ingredients List

Chicken and Marinade Ingredients

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 (1 to 1.5-ounce) packet ranch seasoning
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 3 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
• 1/2 small lemon (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped dill, chives, and/or parsley (optional)

Required Kitchen Tools

For this recipe, a few essential tools will ensure the process is smooth and enjoyable:

1. Large Mixing Bowl: To prepare the marinade and soak the chicken.
2. Tongs: For handling the marinated chicken without mess.
3. Casserole Dish or Baking Pan: To bake the chicken in a single layer.
4. Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the chicken for perfect doneness.

By gathering these ingredients and tools, you’ll be ready to create the perfect ranch chicken recipe.

Preparing the Ranch Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The secret to juicy and flavorful ranch chicken lies in the marinade. Here’s how to do it:

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, ranch seasoning, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly until the seasoning and salt dissolve.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, but for best results, let it marinate for up to 24 hours. This step allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, while the buttermilk tenderizes the meat.

Step 2: Prepare for Baking

1. Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This ensures even cooking.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.
3. Lightly grease a casserole dish, baking pan, or rimmed baking sheet large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer.

Baking the Ranch Chicken

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

1. Using tongs, take each piece of chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Place the chicken skin-side up in the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle a little extra salt over the chicken pieces for an added boost of flavor. Discard the marinade—it has done its job!
3. Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven. Keep an eye on the internal temperature:
   • Chicken breasts should reach 155°F in the thickest part (avoiding the bone).
   • Dark meat (thighs and drumsticks) should reach 165°F.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more succulent.

For a final touch, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives (optional but highly recommended).

Serving and Storing Ranch Chicken

Serving Suggestions

This Ranch Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich and buttery texture complements the zesty flavors of the chicken.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans make for a healthy and vibrant addition.
• Buttery Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the dish.

For a light and refreshing option, serve it with a crisp green salad drizzled with ranch dressing.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they may disappear quickly!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Refrigeration: Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken in the oven at 325°F until heated through to maintain its crispy skin and juicy texture.
• Freezing: Ranch chicken freezes well too! Wrap each piece in foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a simple yet flavorful Ranch Chicken recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite. With its tender, juicy meat and irresistible seasoning, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as amazing.