Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe Guide

Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken: Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is bursting with flavor! Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Do you crave something with a kick, but also a creamy, comforting element? Then look no further! This recipe delivers the perfect balance of spicy buffalo sauce and cool, tangy ranch, all baked to juicy perfection.

While buffalo sauce is a relatively modern invention, originating in Buffalo, New York, its fiery flavor quickly captured hearts (and taste buds!) across the nation. Ranch dressing, another American staple, adds a creamy counterpoint that tames the heat and creates a truly irresistible combination. Together, they transform ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

People adore this Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken because it’s incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic served with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or even tucked into a sandwich or wrap. The best part? It requires minimal prep time and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of the spicy buffalo sauce, the creamy ranch, and the tender chicken creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a zesty twist!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Cooking spray
• Salt and pepper to taste

Marinating the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to marinate the chicken. This step is crucial because it helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!

1. Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce. The hot sauce adds a subtle kick that complements the buffalo flavor perfectly. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or omit it altogether.

2. Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, I recommend pounding them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures that they cook evenly. You can do this by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them with a meat mallet or rolling pin.

3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be. I usually aim for at least an hour if I have the time.

Preparing the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get the coating ready. This is where the magic happens! We’re combining flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a whole bunch of delicious spices to create a crispy, flavorful crust.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish or on a large plate, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty, nutty flavor, while the ranch seasoning provides that classic ranch taste we all love.

2. Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the dry mixture generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your chance to add some extra flavor to the coating.

Coating and Baking the Chicken

Now for the fun part: coating the chicken and getting it ready for the oven! This is where we transform those marinated chicken breasts into crispy, buffalo ranch goodness.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you start baking, as this will help the chicken cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan.

3. Coat the Chicken: Remove one chicken breast from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it is fully coated. Turn the chicken over and repeat on the other side. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered in that delicious coating!

4. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breast on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts, spacing them evenly on the sheet.

5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Making the Buffalo Ranch Sauce

While the chicken is baking, let’s whip up the buffalo ranch sauce. This sauce is the perfect combination of spicy buffalo wing sauce and creamy ranch dressing. It’s what takes this dish from good to amazing!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and melted butter. The melted butter helps to emulsify the sauce and adds a richness that is simply irresistible.

2. Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce or ranch dressing to your liking. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more buffalo wing sauce. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more ranch dressing.

Finishing Touches

Almost there! Now we just need to add the finishing touches and get ready to enjoy our delicious buffalo ranch baked chicken.

1. Brush with Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and brush it generously with the buffalo ranch sauce. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken.

2. Broil (Optional): For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent it from burning. Keep a close eye on the chicken while it’s under the broiler, as it can burn quickly.

3. Serve: Serve the buffalo ranch baked chicken immediately. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
• Cheese: Try using different types of cheese in the coating, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
• Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs.
• Air Fryer: This recipe can also be adapted for the air fryer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Make it a Salad: Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over a bed of lettuce with your favorite salad toppings and a drizzle of extra ranch dressing.
• Buffalo Chicken Wraps: Dice the chicken and wrap it in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!

Conclusion:

This Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The tangy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and perfectly baked chicken create a symphony of tastes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible flavor, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the level of spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce. Want to add even more depth? Try incorporating a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder into the ranch dressing before coating the chicken. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken shines as the star of any meal. Serve it alongside a crisp garden salad with a blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries also make excellent accompaniments.

Looking for even more ways to enjoy this delicious chicken? Shred it and use it to fill tacos or quesadillas. Add it to a salad for a protein-packed lunch. Or, create a Buffalo Ranch Chicken sandwich with your favorite toppings. The options are limited only by your imagination!

Here are a few more ideas to get you started:

* Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wraps: Dice the baked chicken and combine it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Wrap it all up in a warm tortilla for a quick and easy lunch or snack.
* Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pizza: Use the baked chicken as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza. Add some red onions, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a truly unforgettable pizza experience.
* Buffalo Ranch Chicken Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with shredded Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken, cheese, jalapenos, and your favorite nacho toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
* Spice it up!: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ranch dressing for an extra kick.
* Make it cheesy!: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken during the last few minutes of baking.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy the classic flavors of buffalo chicken with a creamy ranch twist. The best part? It’s so easy to make, even on the busiest of weeknights.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and give this Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to share your creations with me! I’d love to see your photos and hear about any variations you come up with. Let me know in the comments below how it turned out and what you paired it with. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your experience!