Pepperoncini Ranch Chicken Bake: A 4-Ingredient Flavor Explosion
Introduction
This 4-ingredient Pepperoncini Ranch Chicken Bake delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort! Juicy chicken breasts soak up the bold combination of zesty ranch seasoning, savory au jus gravy, and tangy pepperoncini peppers, while melted butter creates an irresistible pan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dump-and-bake recipe requires just 5 minutes of prep and bakes to perfection in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 1 (1-oz) packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 (1-oz) packet au jus gravy mix
- ⅓ cup sliced pepperoncini or banana peppers (plus 2 tbsp juice)
- ½ cup butter, sliced (1 stick)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup chicken broth (for extra sauce)
Tips for Success
- Even Thickness: Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness for uniform cooking
- Extra Flavor: Marinate chicken in ranch mix for 30 minutes before baking
- Sauce Boost: Add ½ cup broth before baking for more gravy
- Spice Control: Reduce pepperoncini for milder flavor
- Crispy Top: Broil 2-3 minutes after baking for golden finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Season: Arrange chicken in dish. Sprinkle evenly with ranch and au jus mixes.
- Top: Scatter peppers over chicken, then arrange butter slices on top. Drizzle with 2 tbsp pepperoncini juice.
- Bake: 25-30 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Serve: Spoon pan sauce over chicken. Great with mashed potatoes or crusty bread!
Nutritional Info (per serving)
| Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 420 kcal | 28g | 38g | 4g | 1200mg |
For lower sodium: Use low-sodium ranch mix and reduce butter to ¼ cup.
Why This Recipe Works
✨ Effortless Elegance: Fancy enough for company, easy enough for Tuesday nights
✨ Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for 3 days in fridge
✨ Versatile: Swap chicken for pork chops or turkey cutlets
Pro Tip: Reserve pan juices to drizzle over roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes!
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
- Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for 1 month
This bold, buttery chicken bake proves that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the most memorable flavors. The pepperoncini adds just the right amount of tangy heat to balance the rich sauce, making every bite irresistible.