Easy Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe makes 4 servings. Quantities can be adjusted, but cooking times should remain the same. Note that scaling may affect texture and doneness.

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken cutlets
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). If using whole chicken breasts, slice each breast in half lengthwise to create 6 thin cutlets. Arrange them in a single layer in a lightly greased baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Spread the creamy mixture evenly over each chicken cutlet in a thick layer.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 17 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
5. Without removing the chicken, switch the oven to Broil. Broil for 1-2 minutes until the top becomes golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp.
6. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 806
• Total Fat: 43g (55% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 11g (53% DV)
• Cholesterol: 293mg (98% DV)
• Sodium: 1605mg (70% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g (14% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 64g (128% DV)
• Vitamin C: 2mg (2% DV)
• Calcium: 391mg (30% DV)
• Iron: 4mg (22% DV)
• Potassium: 698mg (15% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutrient values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

History and Origin of Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken

Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken is a contemporary American dish that emerged in the late 20th century as home cooks sought convenient yet flavorful ways to prepare chicken. The recipe combines the distinctly tangy taste of ranch seasoning, which originated in the 1950s in California, with the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese, a staple of Italian cuisine. This fusion reflects the broader trend in American cooking of blending traditional European ingredients with modern, easy-to-use condiments and pre-mixed seasonings.

Regional Characteristics

This dish is especially popular in the United States, with slight regional variations. In the Midwest and Southern states, it is often baked in a casserole style and served with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. In coastal regions, cooks may add a touch of lemon juice or fresh herbs to lighten the dish and highlight the fresh chicken flavor. While ranch dressing itself is ubiquitous across the country, pairing it with Parmesan and a creamy base is most commonly seen in American home kitchens rather than traditional restaurant menus.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken may resemble other baked chicken recipes, its unique combination of ranch seasoning and Parmesan cheese sets it apart. Unlike Chicken Alfredo, which relies on a pasta sauce base, this dish focuses on a thick coating of cheese and ranch mixture directly on the chicken, creating a rich crust when broiled. Compared to standard ranch chicken recipes, the addition of Parmesan adds depth of flavor and a slightly crispy texture, making it more decadent and satisfying.

Common Serving Occasions

This dish is versatile and can be served for casual weeknight dinners or more formal gatherings. It is frequently paired with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Green salads or steamed vegetables are often added to balance the richness. Due to its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, it is a popular choice for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday meals where ease and taste are equally important.

Interesting Facts

The combination of ranch seasoning with Parmesan cheese is not traditional in either Italian or ranch cuisine, making this an inventive fusion recipe. Ranch seasoning itself was originally created by Steve Henson, who developed the mix while running a ranch in Alaska. Interestingly, the creamy coating used in this chicken recipe mimics the texture of restaurant-style baked chicken dishes, allowing home cooks to achieve a gourmet feel without complicated techniques. Additionally, using yogurt or mayonnaise in the coating not only adds richness but also helps the Parmesan adhere to the chicken and brown beautifully under the broiler.

FAQ about Easy Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe

Comments