An easy baked ranch chicken recipe for two made with simple ingredients and baked until juicy and flavorful. A cozy, reliable weeknight dinner that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or a simple salad.
Baked Ranch Chicken for Two (An Easy Weeknight Dinner)
Some nights call for a recipe you don’t have to think too hard about — something low effort, comforting, yet still delicious. Last night was one of those nights. You know the kind where you're already working late and the dog needs walking, and a sick loved one needs tending, and still...dinner has to get on the table. This Baked Ranch Chicken is one of those dinners for me. It’s the kind of meal I make when I want dinner to almost take care of itself yet give me such a big flavor payoff.
I’ve always loved ranch seasoning for its savory flavor, but this version feels a little more special. Butter and olive oil keep the chicken juicy and combined with the seasoning turns into a wonderful sauce. A hot oven does most of the work, and the ingredient list stays thankfully short. It’s not flashy — it’s just really good.
This recipe is written for two, which makes it perfect for quiet weeknights, small households, or nights when you don’t want leftovers staring back at you from the fridge. Serve it with mashed potatoes, a simple salad, or whatever feels right, and let dinner be easy for once.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this recipe work:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Olive oil and butter
- Garlic powder and paprika
- Freshly cracked black pepper
This is one of those recipes where the combination matters more than the quantity — each ingredient pulls its weight without overpowering the others.
-- Let’s Make It Together
How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken for Two
Start by preheating your oven and lightly greasing a small baking dish. While the oven heats, pat the chicken breasts dry and, if they’re thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
Mix the ranch seasoning with the garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, then rub it generously over both sides of the chicken. Stir together the olive oil and melted butter and drizzle it over the chicken once it’s in the baking dish.
Bake the chicken uncovered until it’s cooked through and lightly golden on top. Let it rest briefly before serving so the juices stay right where they belong.
-- Perfecting the Cooking Process
The key to great baked chicken is even thickness and a hot oven. Taking a minute to pound the chicken ensures it cooks at the same rate, while baking at 400°F allows the outside to develop flavor without drying out the inside. Don’t skip the resting time — it makes all the difference between good chicken and truly juicy chicken.
-- Add Your Touch
If you want to make this recipe your own, it’s easy to tweak. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, finish the chicken with fresh herbs, or swap mashed potatoes for roasted vegetables or a simple salad. This is one of those base recipes that welcomes small changes.
Set the Mood
Want to create a cozy atmosphere when serving this dinner for two? Follow my tips below.
If you’re building a weeknight dinner rotation, this baked ranch chicken fits right in. Pair it with a simple salad using my How to Build a Salad Without a Recipe formula, or serve it alongside my Garlic New Potatoes for a comforting, home-style dinner idea. These are the kinds of meals that make cooking feel steady and satisfying again.
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Before You Start
- This recipe is written for two but can be doubled easily.
- Chicken breasts cook best when they’re similar in size.
- An instant-read thermometer helps ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
