Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is straightforward, requiring only a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of Hidden Valley Ranch dry dressing mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- ¼ cup bottled ranch dressing (for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s start cooking! Follow these simple steps to prepare your Ranch Roasted Chicken.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and develop a crispy skin.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
- In a small bowl, combine the Hidden Valley Ranch dry dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub the olive oil over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the dry seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat all sides.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, skin-side up.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your delicious Ranch Roasted Chicken with a side of bottled ranch dressing for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips and Variations
To make the most out of your Ranch Roasted Chicken experience, here are some tips and variations to consider:
Cooking Tips:
- Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Marinate: For a more intense ranch flavor, marinate the chicken in the dry ranch mix and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before roasting.
Variations:
- Baked Chicken with Dry Ranch Dressing Mix and Mayonnaise: Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the olive oil mixture for a creamier texture.
- Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Herb Ranch Chicken: Mix in dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the seasoning for an herbal twist.
Nutritional Information
Here is the basic nutritional information for one serving of Ranch Roasted Chicken (based on one chicken thigh):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
Ranch Roasted Chicken is a delightful and straightforward recipe that brings the zesty flavors of ranch dressing to your dinner table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The blend of dry ranch dressing with the spices creates a mouthwatering aroma and taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.