Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken recipe combines the spicy tang of buffalo sauce with creamy ranch flavors for a deliciously crispy and juicy dish. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce.
2. Step 2: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch if needed.
3. Step 3: Place chicken in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
4. Step 4: In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add cayenne pepper if desired.
5. Step 5: Season the dry mixture generously with salt and pepper.
6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
7. Step 7: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat. Repeat on the other side.
8. Step 8: Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly.
9. Step 9: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Step 10: In a small bowl, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and melted butter.
11. Step 11: Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce or ranch dressing to your liking.
12. Step 12: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and brush it generously with the buffalo ranch sauce.
13. Step 13: For an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
14. Step 14: Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy chicken, try double-dredging by dipping back into the buttermilk before coating again.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Add fresh chopped celery or green onions as a topping for crunch and freshness.
• Use a mix of hot sauce and honey if you prefer a hint of sweetness in your buffalo sauce.

Storage

Store leftover Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance and pre-coat it. Bake and sauce just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 139 reviews

• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken combines juicy, marinated chicken breasts with a crispy, flavorful coating and a tangy buffalo ranch sauce. Marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, and baked to perfection, this dish delivers a spicy, savory kick with a creamy finish—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or game day feast.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)

Coating

• 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)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Buffalo Ranch Sauce

• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Other

• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until combined. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch if necessary, then submerge the chicken fully in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 4 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece evenly in the dry coating mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres well. Repeat on the opposite side to form a thick, crispy crust.
4. Preheat and Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning of the chicken.
5. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
6. Make the Buffalo Ranch Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the buffalo wing sauce, ranch dressing, and melted butter in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly to blend all ingredients into a smooth, tangy sauce. Adjust the proportions to taste for more or less heat and creaminess.
7. Finish the Dish: When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and generously brush the buffalo ranch sauce over each piece. For a crispier finish, optionally broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes under close watch to avoid burning.
8. Serve: Serve the buffalo ranch baked chicken immediately to enjoy the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and crispy textures.

Notes

• Marinating time can be extended up to 4 hours to enhance tenderness and flavor.
• For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or increase the amount of hot sauce in the marinade and sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
• Broiling after baking is optional but recommended for added crispiness.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to preserve crispiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: buffalo ranch chicken, baked chicken recipe, spicy chicken breasts, homemade buffalo sauce, easy chicken dinner, panko crusted chicken