Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If the chicken breasts are thick, you can butterfly them to make them thinner or pound them to an even thickness for quicker cooking.
2. Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with the seasoning mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through at this point; just sear the outside for flavor.
4. Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each piece of chicken.
- Optionally, drizzle with a little heavy cream for extra richness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be tender, juicy, and fully cooked.
5. Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the chicken with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh salad.
Tips & Variations:
- For Extra Moisture: You can add a little chicken broth or white wine to the baking dish to keep the chicken extra juicy.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding lemon zest, fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Make it Creamy: You can create a creamy sauce by adding more heavy cream and a little cream cheese to the pan drippings and simmering until thickened. Pour it over the chicken for a richer dish.
Enjoy Your Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken!
This recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and juicy. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to impress guests!
