Easy Grilled Ranch Chicken Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a deliciously simple way to elevate chicken with the tangy, savory flavors of ranch and lemon, making every bite a juicy, flavorful delight. Plus, it’s perfect for grilling season and adds a joyful vibe to any backyard hangout or meal with friends!

I adore the effortless way to bring flavor to chicken using very little effort. My Easy Grilled Ranch Chicken unites boneless, skinless chicken breast with dry ranch seasoning mix.

It combines just olive oil, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice with that chicken to create a super delicious, healthy, protein-vibed main course. If you’re looking at this chicken from a strictly health-conscious place, the addition of fresh parsley really won’t make a difference.

But if you’re thinking about serving this dish to someone, know that a garnish of fresh parsley takes it straight to the next level.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts:
Protein-rich, low-fat, fosters muscle development.

Olive Oil:
Nutritious fat supports a strong heart, but it also happens to be delicious.

Garlic:
Enhances the immune system, contributes a fragrant taste.

Lemon Juice:
High in vitamin C, they impart a zesty taste.

Ranch Seasoning:
Provides a scrumptious, herbaceous flavor enhancement.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 oz packet of dry ranch seasoning mix
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the dry ranch seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a marinade.

2. In a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, place the chicken breasts, which are boneless and skinless.

3. Ensure each piece of chicken is well coated by pouring the marinade over it.

4. Bag the seal or dish cover, then refrigerate for optimal flavor for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

5. Set the grill to a medium-high temperature.

6. Take the chicken from the marinade and let any extra marinade drip off.

7. Put the chicken on the grill that has been heated to the appropriate temperature.

8. Cook the chicken on the grill for 6-8 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.

9. Take the chicken off the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.

10. If you want, before serving, you can sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Then enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
4. Whisk or fork (for mixing marinade)
5. Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
6. Grill
7. Tongs (for handling chicken on the grill)
8. Meat thermometer (optional, to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C))
9. Cutting board (for resting chicken)
10. Knife (for chopping parsley, if using)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of the boneless, skinless chicken breast?
• Q: Can I substitute the olive oil with another type of oil?A: You can use any neutral oil, like vegetable or canola oil, but olive oil adds a nice flavor profile.
• Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?A: Let the meat soak in the marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for more optimum flavor, let it soak for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.
• Q: What temperature should I grill the chicken to?To ensure that it’s fully cooked and safe to eat, grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Q: Can I cook this in the oven instead of grilling?Q: Is it possible to bake chicken at 400 degrees?

  A: Yes, I can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C). It takes approximately 20-25 minutes or longer to reach a safe internal temperature.

• Q: What side dishes pair well with this chicken?A: Grilled veggies, a salad, or roasted potatoes complete the meal with this chicken.

Substitutions and Variations

Use homemade ranch seasoning made from dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder, instead of an ounce packet of dry ranch seasoning mix.
Change 2 tbsp olive oil to canola oil or melted butter for different flavors.
Use 1/2 tsp garlic powder instead of 1 clove garlic, minced.
Replace 1 tbsp lemon juice with lime juice or apple cider vinegar to achieve an equivalently tangy taste.
Instead of parsley, use chopped fresh cilantro to garnish. That will provide a different herbaceous note to this dish.

Pro Tips

1. Tenderize the Chicken Before marinating, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly and absorb the marinade better, resulting in juicier chicken.

2. Marinade Enhancement Consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or buttermilk to the marinade. The acidity and enzymes in these ingredients help tenderize the chicken further, enhancing flavor and moisture.

3. Prevent Sticking To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, lightly oil the grill grates before placing the chicken. You can use a cloth or paper towel dipped in oil and apply it with tongs to safely coat the grates.

4. Marinade Reuse If you want to use the marinade as a sauce, reserve some before adding the chicken to it. This way, you can drizzle it over the chicken after grilling without risking contamination.

5. Rest the Chicken After grilling, let the chicken rest under a foil tent to keep it warm and allow the juices to redistribute. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and ensuring tender bites.