Hey y'all! If you're searching for a simple, mouthwatering dinner that packs flavor without fuss, these Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients are your new weeknight hero. Juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on top, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser—great for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a quick, budget-friendly meal. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients Recipe
- Ultra-Easy: Only five common ingredients and minimal prep—perfect for busy nights.
- Big on Flavor: Zesty ranch seasoning makes each bite irresistible.
- Juicy Texture: Baking locks in moisture, keeping the chicken super tender.
- Versatile: Pairs well with veggies, salads, or your favorite sides.
- Family Approved: Kid-friendly and picky-eater tested!
Ingredients for Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get nice and crispy!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle over the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the rack, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to help retain those tasty juices. Enjoy your dinner with only 5 ingredients!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken on high for the last 2-3 minutes—but keep an eye on it!
- Trim excess fat from the thighs for less grease and easier cleanup.
- Want to learn more about safe chicken cooking temps? Check out this food safety guide.
Variations for Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- Cheesy Ranch: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan over the thighs during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Herb Lovers: Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill before serving.
Required Equipment for Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
How to Store Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients
Cool leftovers completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients
- Serve alongside roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Try with classic sides like oven-roasted potatoes or buttery corn on the cob.
Pro Tips for Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients
- Letting chicken rest before serving keeps it extra juicy!
- Line your pan with foil for a no-mess cleanup.
- For a nutrition breakdown of chicken thighs, visit Healthline's guide.
FAQ: Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs – Dinner with Only 5 Ingredients
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
- Yes, but reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes and check for doneness at 165°F (74°C).
- Can I make this recipe ahead?
- Absolutely! Prep and season the chicken up to a day in advance, then bake when ready to eat.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Most ranch seasoning packets are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
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2Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
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3Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt over the chicken. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
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4Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
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5Bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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6Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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