Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken

Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts baked in a savory sauce made with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. This comfort food classic is easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with vegetables, rice, or pasta for a hearty weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with bold, creamy, cheesy flavor
• Uses simple ingredients and pantry staples
• One-pan baking means minimal cleanup
• Kid-friendly and perfect for family dinners
• Customizable with added veggies or spice

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Cream cheese, softened
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil or butter (for greasing dish)
• Optional: chopped parsley or chives, for garnish
• Optional: steamed broccoli, spinach, or other vegetables

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch seasoning, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each piece of chicken.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and topping is slightly golden.
5. Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness
• Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a complete one-dish meal
• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce
• Mix shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the topping for extra cheesiness
• Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals
• Not recommended for freezing due to the creamy sauce texture

FAQs

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well in this dish.

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning mix?

The seasoning mix is best for flavor and texture, but you can use a small amount of thick ranch dressing if needed.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fat, making it a good fit for keto diets.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

How can I tell when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but reduce the baking time and bake just until heated through and topping is bubbly.

What side dishes go well with this recipe?

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a green salad.

How do I make it less rich?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese or a blend of Greek yogurt and cream cheese.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives. Note: flavor and texture may vary.

Does this freeze well?

Not recommended—cream cheese-based sauces can separate when thawed and reheated.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken is the ultimate easy comfort food that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a satisfying dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether served on its own or over pasta, this dish delivers creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.

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