One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken

There’s something about a cozy evening, a comforting meal, and the aroma of something delicious wafting through the kitchen that feels like a warm hug. For me, One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken has become a staple dish that I reach for when I want to impress friends or simply indulge in some soul-satisfying comfort food. It’s a dish that effortlessly mingles elegance and rustic charm, evoking those family dinners where everyone gathers around the table, laughter echoing and forks clinking. Let me share this culinary joy with you, step by step!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender chicken, lush and creamy sauce, all with a depth of flavor that only a few ingredients can provide. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful experience encapsulated in a single pan. The magic lies in the combination of savory ranch seasoning and rich Parmesan. Each mouthful is a symphony of flavors, with the cream draping the chicken like a luxurious veil. Plus, it’s effortless to whip up—a one-pan wonder that minimizes both cleanup time and fuss!

Why spend hours in the kitchen when you can create something spectacular in under 30 minutes? This is comfort food that feels fancy, yet it’s simple enough for any weeknight. What’s not to love about that?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s break down the stars of our show, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is your protein hero! Choose breasts that are uniform in size for even cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute with thighs for a juicier bite.

• 1 cup heavy cream: Ah, the silken secret to an ultra-creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can mix half-and-half or even a cashew cream for a dairy-free twist.

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: You’re going to want the good stuff here. Freshly grated is best, as it melts beautifully and adds a nuttiness that pre-packaged options can’t touch.

• 1 packet ranch seasoning: You can either use store-bought for convenience or make your own blend with garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and herbs for a personal touch.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use this to sear your chicken to golden perfection! Feel free to swap in butter for a different rich flavor.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple yet essential! Just enough to bring out the natural flavors.

• Fresh parsley for garnish: Not just for looks! A sprinkle of parsley at the end adds a touch of freshness that brightens the dish beautifully.

Preparing One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken

Now let’s get cooking! Don’t worry; this process is breezy.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trust me; this step is key for even cooking.

2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want a nice hot surface to give your chicken that beautiful golden color.

3. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, add them to the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown. This step locks in the juices and builds flavor.

4. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning until you have a smooth mixture.

5. Once the chicken is seared, pour the creamy goodness all over it in the skillet. This makes for an irresistible sauce—don’t forget to get every last drop in there!

6. Lastly, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want that chicken cooked through but still juicy. A meat thermometer should read 165°F when it’s done.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. It really elevates the dish visually and adds a refreshing note.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken is ready, how do you serve up this dream? You can go classic by pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice that soaks up all that delicious sauce. If you’re watching carbs, roasted veggies or a fresh side salad are perfect companions. Don’t forget some crusty bread to swipe up every last drop of that sauce—you’ll thank me later!

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is a rarity because it’s just that good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain that creamy consistency. If you want to freeze it, separate the chicken from the sauce to avoid a grainy texture when thawed. It should keep well for about three months.

Pro chef tips

• Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and juicy.

• For extra flavor, you can add in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the creamy sauce before baking—lovely, right?

• If ranch isn’t your thing, try a different herb blend or seasoning to shake things up. Lemon zest and thyme would be divine for a fresh twist!

Creative Twists

Feeling experimental? Why not elevate the dish with some sautéed sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair? You might also swap out chicken for shrimp or scallops—just adjust cooking times accordingly. You can even turn it into a casserole by adding cooked pasta before the bake step and giving it a sprinkle of bread crumbs on top for a crispy finish.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions to follow

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
4. Mix heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning in a bowl.
5. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Your questions answered

Q: How long does this take to prepare?
A: Including prep and bake time, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes.

Q: Can I use other types of meat?
A: Absolutely! Thighs, shrimp, or even pork tenderloin would be delightful options.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Mashed potatoes, rice, or any veggies you love! It’s also incredible on a bed of pasta.

Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Yes! Swap heavy cream for a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Q: Can leftovers be reheated?
A: For sure! Simply reheat gently in a skillet. Add a little cream or broth for moisture.

It’s hard to put into words just how satisfying and delicious this One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken turns out to be. Not only does it deliver a delightful flavor with every bite, but it also offers a cozy sense of comfort. While it’s set to become a regular in your kitchen rotation, I encourage you to try your hand at personalizing it, whether through a new side dish or a savvy ingredient variation. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and feel free to share your experiences below. Happy cooking!

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One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins

Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 500

Best Season: All Year

Description

One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken is a comforting meal that combines tender chicken, a lush creamy sauce, and a blend of savory flavors from ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese. This easy dish is perfect for impressing friends or indulging in a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Uniform in size for even cooking.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute with half-and-half or dairy-free options.)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated preferred.)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning (Store-bought or homemade.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Can substitute with butter.)
• to taste salt (Essential for flavor.)
• to taste pepper (Essential for flavor.)
• as needed fresh parsley (For garnish.)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   This step is essential for even cooking.
   Mark as complete

2. Sear Chicken

   Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
   This locks in the juices.
   Mark as complete

3. Prepare Sauce

   In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine and Bake

   Pour the creamy mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F.
   Ensure chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
   Mark as complete

5. Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
   Elevates the dish visually.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 500kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 700mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 9g3%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 1g

Protein 40g80%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 0 mg

Calcium 400 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 0 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 9 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 0 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 0 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish is versatile and can be adjusted by adding veggies or using different meats.

Keywords: chicken, one pan, creamy, parmesan, ranch, comfort food