Description
This garlic parmesan ranch smash chicken is a crispy, juicy, and flavorful dish made by smashing thin chicken breasts coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, then baked to a golden perfection. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (smashed thin)
Breading & Seasoning
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to smash them thin evenly for better cooking and crispiness.
- Whisk Eggs: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth to create the egg wash that will help the breading stick to the chicken.
- Mix Breading: In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning packet, and grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly for a flavorful coating.
- Coat Chicken in Egg: Dip each smashed chicken breast into the whisked eggs, ensuring both sides are well-coated to help the breading adhere.
- Coat with Breadcrumb Mixture: Press the egg-coated chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture, covering all sides completely for a crispy crust.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crisp.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If desired, broil the chicken for an additional 1 to 2 minutes at the end to enhance the crust’s crispness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute before serving, ensuring juicy and flavorful bites.
Notes
- For even thickness, use a meat mallet gently to avoid tearing the chicken.
- You can substitute plain breadcrumbs with panko for an extra crunchy texture.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Serve with a side of vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, smash chicken recipe, ranch seasoning chicken, crispy baked chicken, quick dinner recipe, chicken breast, easy chicken recipes
