Ranch Grilled Chicken

Ranch grilled chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner—juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish combines the tangy, herby goodness of ranch seasoning with the smoky char of the grill. Whether you’re planning a casual family meal or a backyard barbecue, this chicken is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The secret? A simple but powerful marinade that infuses every bite with flavor. In just a few steps, you’ll have a protein-packed, keto-friendly dish that works perfectly with almost any side.

Why You’ll Love This Ranch Grilled Chicken

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this ranch grilled chicken recipe:

• Quick & Easy – Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this a breeze.

• Incredible Flavor – Ranch seasoning delivers a zesty, herbaceous punch that pairs beautifully with smoky grilled chicken.

• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love the familiar, comforting taste of ranch.

• Versatile – Perfect for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or served as the star of your plate.

• Meal-Prep Friendly – Cook in batches and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make the best ranch grilled chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Pound thin for even cooking.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, or swap for mayonnaise for a creamier, richer flavor

• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade—see below)

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix:

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon dried dill

• 1 teaspoon dried chives

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-ons:

• BBQ sauce for brushing after grilling.

• Ranch dressing in place of oil and seasoning for a creamier marinade.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Ranch Grilled Chicken

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked ranch grilled chicken every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken – Pound the chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.

2. Marinate – In a bowl, combine olive oil (or mayonnaise) and ranch seasoning. Coat the chicken thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes, ideally 8 hours for maximum flavor.

3. Preheat the Grill – Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.

4. Grill the Chicken – Shake off any extra marinade and lay the chicken onto the hot grill. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest & Serve – Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to retain all its flavorful juices.

Oven Option: Definitely! Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Flavor Boost: Add a layer of BBQ sauce over the grilled chicken for a zesty, tangy finish!

Helpful Tips

• Resting is key—it ensures your chicken stays tender and juicy.

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

• Pound the chicken evenly for faster, more consistent grilling.

• For extra flavor, reserve a little marinade (before adding chicken) to brush on while grilling.

Substitutions and Variations

• Protein Swap – Try this marinade with pork chops, turkey cutlets, or even shrimp.

• Dairy-Free – Skip mayonnaise and use olive oil or avocado oil.

• Spicy Twist – Mix in a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

• Herb Boost – Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can take it up a notch.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Keep any leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap cooked chicken in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F or in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (¼ of recipe):

• Calories: 159

• Fat: 9g (Saturated 1g)

• Cholesterol: 82mg

• Sodium: 51mg

• Carbs: 0.5g

• Protein: 25g

This makes it an excellent low-carb, high-protein option for keto or paleo diets.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve over a fresh garden salad with ranch dressing.

• Pair with roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob.

• Use in sandwiches, wraps, or quesadillas for easy lunches.

• Chop and toss into pasta or grain bowls for a hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ranch Grilled Chicken

1. Can I use ranch dressing instead of dry seasoning?
Yes! Simply replace the oil and ranch seasoning with ½ cup of ranch dressing for a creamy marinade.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate for at least 20 minutes, but if you can, leave it for 8 hours to maximize flavor absorption.

3. Can I bake instead of grill?
Definitely! Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

4. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! This chicken stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for prepping lunches or dinners ahead of time.

5. What type of chicken works best?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breasts are leaner.

Conclusion

Wishing you happy cooking, and heartfelt thanks for being part of our food-loving community. I love how the ranch seasoning transforms simple chicken into something truly crave-worthy, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Cheers to simple, flavorful meals that bring everyone to the table!

Ranch Grilled Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus 20 minutes–8 hours marinating)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This Ranch Grilled Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned with herby ranch spices. Quick to prep and easy to grill, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or summer barbecues.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (pounded thin)

2 tbsp olive oil (or mayonnaise for a richer flavor)

1 tbsp ranch seasoning (or homemade mix below)

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix:

1 tsp dried parsley

1 tsp dried dill

1 tsp dried chives

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Optional: BBQ sauce for brushing after grilling, or swap olive oil & seasoning for ranch dressing.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Pound chicken to even thickness.

• In a bowl, mix olive oil (or mayonnaise) with ranch seasoning. Coat chicken thoroughly.

• Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 8 hours).

• Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

• Shake off excess marinade and place chicken on the grill. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

---

Notes

• For oven-baking: Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

• For a spicy twist, add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.

• Pounding chicken ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 159
• Sugar: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Protein: 25g