Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and let it fully heat. A hot oven helps the coating crisp up instead of turning soft. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment to keep cleanup easy.
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry chicken helps the coating stick better and bake evenly. If the pieces feel thick, gently pound them to an even size.
Mix the Creamy Base: In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and ranch dressing mix. Mix until smooth and fully blended. The mixture should look thick and creamy with no dry seasoning spots.
Build the Coating: In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Stir until evenly mixed. This blend creates the crispy layer that turns golden in the oven.
Coat the Chicken: Spread the ranch mayo mixture over each chicken breast, covering all sides. Press the coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the surface gets fully covered. Gently press so the crumbs stick well.
Arrange in the Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken into the prepared baking dish with a little space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with oil to help browning.
Bake Until Golden: Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The coating should turn golden and the chicken should cook through. Check that the center reaches 165°F before removing.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle and keeps every bite tender.
