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- 6 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in Chicken thighs offer great flavor and moisture. The skin keeps them juicy while baking. I love using bone-in thighs, as they add depth to the dish. - 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt This seasoning mix is the key to great taste. You can use store-bought ranch mix or make your own. The garlic and onion powder add a savory touch. Paprika gives a nice color and a hint of smokiness. - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a fresh finish) Garnishes add a pop of color and flavor. Fresh parsley brightens the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice can give it a zesty finish. You can skip these or use your favorites! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly. Next, take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry skin gives you that nice, crispy finish. In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This blend adds great flavor to the chicken. Rub olive oil over each chicken thigh. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mix on both sides. Make sure each piece is well-coated for the best taste. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a lined baking sheet. Bake them for 35-40 minutes. Check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). You want the skin to be golden brown and crispy. Once the chicken is done, you can drizzle some lemon juice on top if you like a fresh kick. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. To get that perfect crispy skin, start by drying the chicken. Use paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is key for crispiness. Next, coat the chicken with olive oil. It helps the skin crisp up as it cooks. Finally, bake the chicken on a lined sheet. The hot air will circulate around it, making the skin golden and crunchy. You can change the flavor to suit your taste. Add a touch of cayenne pepper for heat. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. If you love herbs, mix in some dried thyme or oregano. Feel free to get creative! Each twist can make your ranch baked chicken thighs unique. Cooking time is vital for juicy chicken thighs. Bake them at 400°F for about 35-40 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should hit 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and not dry. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, keeping it moist and delicious. Pro Tips Pat Dry for Crispiness: Always pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step helps achieve a wonderfully crispy skin when baked. Use Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the seasoning mix for an extra layer of flavor that complements the ranch seasoning beautifully. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness. Let It Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just remember, cooking times may change. Breasts cook faster, while drumsticks may need more time. Always check the internal temp; it should reach 165°F (74°C). This way, you ensure a safe and tasty meal. Feel free to get creative with seasonings! You can add Italian herbs like oregano or thyme. For some heat, try cayenne pepper or chili powder. If you love smokiness, smoked paprika works great. Each blend gives the chicken a new flavor twist. Experiment until you find your favorite! You can also make ranch baked chicken in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, season the chicken, place it inside, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. For the Instant Pot, add a cup of broth, season the chicken, and cook on high for 10 minutes. Both methods keep the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Plus, they save time and cleanup! To store leftovers, let the chicken thighs cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep them sealed tight to avoid any odors. When you’re ready to eat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it’s hot. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the skin crispy. If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each thigh in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs. However, using skin-on helps the chicken stay moist. The skin also adds flavor and texture. If you prefer skinless, just adjust your cooking time. The chicken may cook faster without the skin. Ranch baked chicken thighs pair well with various sides. Here are some ideas: - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Steamed broccoli - Rice pilaf - Fresh salad These options enhance the meal and add more color to your plate. To check if chicken thighs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thigh. The juices should run clear, not pink. Most ranch seasoning mixes are gluten-free. However, always check the label. Some brands may add gluten ingredients. If you're unsure, you can make your own mix at home. Just combine herbs and spices like garlic, onion, and dill. This way, you control what goes in your seasoning. In this post, we explored how to make delicious ranch baked chicken thighs. We began with the best ingredients and seasoning and then covered clear steps for baking. Tips for crispy skin and different flavor ideas helped enhance your dish. We also discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. I hope you feel ready to try making this tasty meal! Enjoy it with your favorite sides.

Ranch Baked Chicken Thighs with a Zesty Twist

Deliciously seasoned chicken thighs baked to perfection with a zesty finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  • Rub the olive oil over each chicken thigh. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
  • Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • If desired, drizzle with lemon juice for added zest just before serving.
  • Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Drizzling with lemon juice adds a fresh touch.
Keyword baked, chicken, dinner, easy, ranch