Tender, Juicy Chicken Thighs Soaked In Buttermilk And Seasoned With Ranch Flavors, Then Baked To Crispy Perfection – The Ultimate Comfort Food For Any Night Of The Week!
These Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs are a family favorite because they combine everything we love about fried chicken with the rich, tangy flavor of ranch. I decided to make these because I wanted a recipe that was easy, flavorful, and had that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender on the inside.
The buttermilk soak ensures that the chicken stays moist, while the ranch seasoning adds a delicious depth of flavor. My family loves them because they’re simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and the crispy skin is always a big hit. Whether for a casual dinner or a special meal, these chicken thighs always deliver!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! While chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe due to their moisture and tenderness, you can use chicken breasts as well. Just be aware that chicken breasts may dry out more easily, so be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully.
Q: Can I make these chicken thighs in the air fryer?
A: Yes! To make these in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Q: Can I make the buttermilk ranch marinade ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and let the chicken marinate in the fridge overnight for even more flavor. Just be sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking for best results.
Q: How do I make this dish spicier?
A: If you like extra heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the ranch seasoning mix. You can also toss the chicken in a spicy ranch sauce after it’s baked.
Q: Can I use a different seasoning instead of ranch?
A: Yes! You can substitute the ranch seasoning with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning. Feel free to adjust the flavor to your liking.
What You Need to Make Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil for baking (or cooking spray)
How to Make Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs
1. Prepare the marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the coating:
In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the fridge. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Bake the chicken:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up. Spray the tops of the chicken with a light coating of cooking spray to help them crisp up.
4. Cook the chicken:
Bake the chicken for 35-45 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
5. Serve:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- For extra crispy skin: Pat the chicken skin dry before marinating and coating it with flour to ensure it crisps up well in the oven.
- Add a twist: You can drizzle a little ranch dressing over the cooked chicken for an extra creamy touch.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and make sure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “These Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs are the best! The chicken is so juicy and flavorful, and the crispy skin is amazing. This recipe is definitely a keeper!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “What a great twist on classic baked chicken! The buttermilk ranch marinade gives the chicken such great flavor, and the crispy skin is perfect. My family loved this!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “These chicken thighs are absolutely delicious! The ranch flavor is so comforting, and the crispy skin is just perfect. I’ll be making this recipe again and again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “I made these for dinner, and they were a hit! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the crispy coating was just the right amount of crunch. Definitely making these again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “These Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs are incredible! The buttermilk marinade makes the chicken so tender, and the ranch seasoning gives it such great flavor. A new family favorite!”
Printable Recipe
Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs
These Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful buttermilk ranch mixture, coated in seasoned flour, and baked to golden perfection. A simple yet indulgent comfort food!
Ingredients
- For the Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil for baking (or cooking spray)
Instructions
1. Prepare the marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the coating:
- In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the fridge. Dredge each chicken thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Bake the chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
Arrange the coated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin side up. Spray the tops of the chicken with a light coating of cooking spray to help them crisp up.
4. Cook the chicken:
- Bake the chicken for 35-45 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
5. Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Crispy Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Thighs, please share them with your friends and family! They’re the perfect balance of crispy, flavorful, and juicy, and I’m sure everyone will love them. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your chicken turns out!
