What On Earth Is This Ranch Chicken Recipe?

Life is a combination of magic and pasta. — Federico Fellini.

Ranch Chicken Recipe

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Marinate Time: 12 hrs
• Total Time: 12 hrs 40 mins
• Servings: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 (1 to 1.5-ounce) packet ranch seasoning
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• Roughly 3 1/2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
• 1/2 small lemon, optional
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped dill, chives, and/or parsley, optional

Method:

1. Marinate the chicken: Combine the buttermilk, ranch seasoning, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to dissolve.
2. Add the chicken pieces and submerge in the buttermilk mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
3. Prepare for roasting: Remove the chicken from the fridge. Preheat the oven to 425°F and place a rack in the center. Lightly grease a casserole dish, baking pan, or rimmed baking sheet large enough to accommodate the chicken in a single layer.
4. Once the oven has preheated and the chicken isn’t quite so cold, use tongs to grasp a piece of chicken, letting excess buttermilk drip off before transferring to the baking dish. Place the chicken skin-side up. Repeat with the remaining chicken and sprinkle with salt. Discard the marinade.
5. Roast: Bake in the center of the oven, uncovered, until the breasts register at least 155°F in the thickest part (without touching the bone) and the dark meat registers at least 165°F, about 30 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise to a safe temperature (at least 165°F) as the chicken rests.
6. Let rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and top with a squeeze of lemon and chopped fresh herbs before serving, if using.

Wine Pairing

Chardonnay. I recommend the Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay from Columbia Valley, Washington. Its ripe pear and apple flavors complement the richness of the buttermilk and the herbs in the dish.

Bon Appétit

If you’ve cooked your Ranch Chicken to juicy perfection, infusing it with the tangy, herby flavors of ranch seasoning without it turning into a dry, flavorless flop, then you’re mastering the art of poultry perfection. Craving more culinary adventures that elevate simple ingredients to delicious heights? Hit that subscribe button for a journey through the world of savory sensations. And if you’ve uncovered the secret to achieving tender, flavorful Ranch Chicken that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, please, share your chicken-cooking expertise in the comments. Or, perhaps in the spirit of culinary triumph, it’s best to quietly enjoy your Ranch Chicken, knowing that sometimes the most satisfying meals are the ones made with love and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning.