I recently whipped up this one-pan creamy parmesan ranch chicken, and it was such a hit that I had to share! The tender chicken coated in a savory ranch-inspired sauce, paired with crispy broccoli, made for the ultimate comfort meal.
What I loved most was how everything came together in one dish with minimal mess and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or just looking for a comforting dinner idea, this dish promises to deliver every time. Trust me when I say it’s going to become a regular staple at your table too!
Credit: halfbakedharvest
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy and delicious meal. Each ingredient plays a significant role in building flavor and texture.
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs – Boneless and skinless work best. You can use a mix of both for variety.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature – Softened cheese blends better with spices and chicken.
- 1 tablespoon parsley (dried) – Adds an earthy freshness.
- 1 tablespoon dried chives – Contributes a mild onion-like flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried dill – Pairs beautifully with ranch flavors.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Provides depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds a touch of color and subtle smokiness.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped – Enhances the dish with some sweetness.
- 1 cup salsa verde – A secret ingredient that infuses a tangy and slightly spicy kick.
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños (optional) – For a spicy note, adjust to your preference.
- 1 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk – Choose coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan ensures a richer result compared to pre-grated.
- 2 tablespoons cold, salted butter, sliced – Adds glossiness and smoothness to the sauce.
- 3 cups broccoli, chopped – Fresh is best for a proper crunchy texture.
Note: This recipe generously serves four and can easily be scaled up if needed.
Variations
This recipe is super flexible! Here are some ways you can customize it based on dietary preferences or ingredients on-hand:
- Dairy-Free: Swap cream cheese with a vegan alternative and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Low-Carb: Skip the rice or pasta and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even asparagus to bake along with the chicken.
- Protein Alternatives: Replace chicken with shrimp, scallops, or even tofu for vegetarians.
You can also enjoy the best chicken burgers if you’re in the mood for something handheld and packed with flavor.
Cooking Time
This dish is a time-saver on busy nights. Here’s how the prep and cooking time pans out:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make this one-pan wonder, you’ll only need a handful of kitchen essentials:
- Cutting board: For prepping chicken and vegetables.
- Knife: A sharp knife for chopping and slicing.
- Mixing bowl: To coat and mix all the ingredients.
- Oven-safe baking dish: The star tool for one-pan perfection!
- Grater: For freshly grating parmesan.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken?
This recipe is broken down into easy steps to help you follow along effortlessly.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven warms up, chop your chicken into even pieces if they’re large. This ensures everything cooks evenly. Make sure the cream cheese has softened so it combines smoothly with the seasoning.
Step 2: Mix and Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large baking dish. Toss it with cream cheese, parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken pieces. Don’t skimp on mixing – this step builds the base flavors of the dish!
Step 3: Add Layers of Flavor
Next, add the chopped onion, followed by salsa verde, pickled jalapeños (if using), and heavy cream. Stir everything gently to create a creamy mixture. Sprinkle half the grated parmesan cheese into the dish and repeat the gentle mix to evenly distribute the cheese.
Step 4: Arrange the Toppings
Place the broccoli on top, spreading it evenly. Dot slices of butter over the broccoli for added richness. Finally, sprinkle the remaining parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken and broccoli uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has soaked up the creamy sauce. Use a fork to gently test the doneness of the chicken. If desired, give the dish a light stir to combine the sauce once out of the oven.
Credit: halfbakedharvest
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
I’ve made this dish a couple of times now, and here are some tips to take it up a notch:
- If you have time, marinate the chicken in the cream cheese and spices for an hour before cooking for more infused flavors.
- Don’t skip fresh parsley or parmesan for garnishing; it adds an extra punch of visual and flavor appeal.
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen to keep it crisp and avoid excess water in the dish.
- If you’re using coconut milk, make sure it’s unsweetened to maintain the savory profile.
- Love a crunch? Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil on top before baking.
If you like bold flavors with an Asian twist, you’ll probably love mongolian chicken too.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken?
This hearty chicken dish goes beautifully with simple sides. Serve over steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or orzo pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce. Arrange the chicken over the starch of your choice, then spoon the sauce and vegetables on top. For presentation, finish with chopped herbs like parsley or dill, and a sprinkle of extra parmesan. A fresh green salad on the side would complete the meal perfectly.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutrition per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 534
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 35g
Make Ahead and Storage
Keeping leftovers or preparing ahead? No problem!
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish except for the baking and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when ready.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Once cooked, this dish freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. A microwave works fine for smaller portions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
A few reasons why this dish will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, so no piles of dishes afterward!
- Family-approved: The creamy, cheesy flavors are a hit with kids and adults.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe for dietary needs or ingredient availability.
- Time-efficient: Perfect for weeknights with minimal prep and a quick bake time.
- Flavor-packed: Ranch seasoning, parmesan, and salsa verde combine to make every bite irresistible.
This one-pan creamy parmesan ranch chicken recipe is comfort food at its finest. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-easy, making it ideal for any night of the week. Grab your ingredients and give this crowd-pleaser a try; it might just become your new favorite!
For more ideas, explore our collection of flavorful chicken recipes that are just as easy and satisfying.