I love a great weeknight recipe. Dinner should be wholesome and delicious, even when life is crazy busy. My latest fixation is this easy ranch chicken recipe. You can serve it with some pre-made mashed potatoes and veggies for a quick, tasty family dinner. This is one of my favorite chicken recipes and it might be your new staple!
You can marinate this chicken the day before using simple ingredients - many of which you already have lying around your kitchen. This recipe cooks in the air fryer for ultimate ease. This dish is so good, it tends to go quick, but if you end up with leftovers, there are lots of delicious ways to repurpose your chicken!
Why You'll Love This Easy Ranch Chicken Recipe
- Keep It Simple - From prep to finish, this dish utilizes simple ingredients and easy steps to keep things fast, easy and uncomplicated.
- Very Versatile - Everyone loves ranch! Part of what makes it so great is that the flavor pairs well with so many different things. You can serve this chicken with a variety of sides, or use leftovers in subs, salads, chicken salad, and more.
Ingredients for Easy Ranch Chicken
- Chicken - You will need 6 chicken thighs. For this recipe, opt for bone-in and skin on. Skinless chicken breasts will work
- Salt & Pepper - Season your chicken with a little salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- Ranch Dressing Mix - Grab a 1 oz packet of dry ranch seasoning. This is what will give your chicken that craveworthy flavor.
- Olive Oil - Olive oil is a great choice for your marinade, but you can always swap it out for avocado oil if you prefer. You will need 3 tablespoons.
- Lemon Juice - You may need up to 1 tbsp of lemon juice for your marinade. Add it last and slowly so that you can make sure your mixture reaches the ideal consistency.
- Garlic - An extra kick of garlic can really boost the flavor of ranch dressing. Press 1 clove for this recipe.
- Ranch Dressing - In addition to your packet of ranch seasoning mix, you will also want to add a little prepared ranch dressing to your mix. Add 4 tbsp. You can also make a chicken creamy ranch dish by adding more on top, but I prefer it marinated. I use organic or hidden valley.
Substitutions
- If you have an egg allergy, you can prepare this a little differently. Instead of using the 4 tbsp prepared ranch dressing, swap it out for a vegan ranch. Alternatively, grab an extra packet of ranch mix and prepare your own using an eggless mayo.
- Add a little hot sauce to your mix if you want to make buffalo ranch chicken.
How to Make Easy Ranch Chicken
- Add all of your marinade ingredients to a large ziploc bag and mix.
- Add your chicken thighs. Marinate for 24 hours.
- Air fry your chicken at 350 for 25 minutes to cook.
- Cook for an additional 6 minutes at 400 to brown. Serve with mashed potatoes and veggies. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by sprinkling a little salt and pepper over your chicken thighs. Then prepare your marinade by adding your ranch mix, olive oil, garlic, and ranch dressing to a large ziploc bag. Add the lemon juice if you are using it. Seal the bag and mix well. Add your chicken thighs to the bag and seal. Jiggle the bag around to make sure the marinade coats all of the chicken evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
When you are ready to cook, simply remove the chicken from the bag and pop it in the air fryer at 350 for 25 minutes. This is to ensure that the chicken cooks through.
Next, air fry your chicken for an additional 6 minutes at 400 to give it a nice brown.
Voila! Enjoy your easy ranch chicken with a side of mashed potatoes and veggies.
Cook's Tips
- Ranch Chicken Prep - This chicken is best when it marinates for the full 24 hours, as it allows it to become tender and flavorful. However, if you are short on time, make sure you give it at least an hour.
- Chicken is ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
- I've been asked if this would work in a slow cooker, it will not have the same texture and don't advise it. Baking it will work but for a crispier skin, you do need to broil it or air fry.
- While this is cooking, whip up some veggies by steaming or microwave!
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze your cooked ranch chicken thighs for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Chop up your leftovers and use it to make a cheddar bacon ranch chicken salad.
- Grab some store bought mashed potatoes and frozen veggies for quick and easy sides. Stewed tomatoes also complement this dish well.
- Serve your ranch chicken thighs with rice, a side salad, or some cornbread.
FAQ:
Dry ranch and prepared ranch are not interchangeable in this recipe. This recipe utilizes both types of ranch, but you do not want to forego the dry seasoning. The dry seasoning flavors your chicken more intensely, and the consistency also affects how tender your chicken will get.
If you find your chicken getting tough in the air fryer, it is most likely overcooked. Make sure your temperature is set correctly, and make any necessary adjustments.
This is not necessary since your marinade already contains oil. Air frying requires far less oil than it would take to fry in a skillet, so the amount in your marinade will be enough.
Looking for more delicious air fryer recipes? Make sure to try these:
Tried this Air Fryer Ranch Chicken recipe and love it? Please leave me a comment and rating below. Feel free to also tag me, I love to see your creations and sharing them. For more inspiration follow us on Instagram Or like us on Facebook
Ranch Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in, with skin on
- Salt and black pepper to taste please measure !
- 1 1 oz. packet dry ranch salad dressing mix
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice to thin mixture if needed
- 1 clove garlic pressed
- 4 table spoons ranch dressing liquid
Instructions
- Air fry 350 25 minutes
- Air fry 400 6 minutes to brown
- Serve with mashed potatoes and veg.
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