Anniversary Chicken II Recipe

Anniversary Chicken II Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound thick cut bacon
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • cup stir-fry sauce
  • 1 cup Ranch-style salad dressing
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).

Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and fry the bacon until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, saut the chopped onion in the bacon fat until softened and translucent. Add the cooked onion to the bacon and set both aside.

Step 4: In a separate large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken breasts on both sides. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 5: Pour the stir-fry sauce over the chicken breasts. Then, spoon the Ranch-style dressing onto each chicken breast.

Step 6: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and top with the bacon and onion mixture.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, and the juices run clear.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 795
  • Fat: 64g (83% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 18g (88% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 143mg (48% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 1478mg (64% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9g (3% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 42g (84% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 3mg (3% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 181mg (14% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 2mg (8% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 521mg (11% Daily Value)

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

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Anniversary Chicken II

Origin of the Recipe

The "Anniversary Chicken II" recipe is a modern American creation that was designed to celebrate the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals. It has gained popularity on various recipe websites, with home cooks appreciating its rich flavor and ease of preparation. The recipe combines elements of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors, creating a perfect balance for a hearty meal. Though its precise origins are hard to trace, it is believed to have been created by a home cook who wanted to elevate a simple chicken breast dish with a touch of indulgence for special occasions.

Regional Variations

This recipe does not belong to a specific regional cuisine, but it incorporates several ingredients that are common in American comfort food. Bacon, ranch dressing, and Parmesan cheese are staples in American households, often used in hearty, flavorful dishes. Regional variations of this dish might include different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, or variations in the stir-fry sauce, depending on local preferences or availability of ingredients. In some areas, its common to serve this dish with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables to balance its rich, savory flavor.

How it Differs from Similar Dishes

Anniversary Chicken II stands apart from other similar baked chicken recipes due to its distinctive combination of ingredients. Unlike traditional baked chicken recipes that focus solely on seasoning or marinades, this dish incorporates a creamy ranch dressing, stir-fry sauce, and crispy bacon, making it much richer and more indulgent. The inclusion of Parmesan cheese adds a unique depth of flavor, and the use of a stir-fry sauce instead of a simple soy or teriyaki sauce gives the dish a slightly sweeter, more complex taste.

Where It Is Typically Served

Anniversary Chicken II is typically served as a main course in casual family dinners, special occasions, or even holiday meals. Its rich and hearty nature makes it perfect for gatherings, such as birthdays or anniversaries, where guests are treated to a comforting and flavorful meal. It pairs beautifully with side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice, making it versatile enough for different meal settings. Due to its easy preparation, it's also a popular choice for weeknight dinners in many American households.

Interesting Facts

One interesting fact about this dish is its popularity on recipe-sharing platforms. Many home cooks enjoy adding their personal twists to the recipe, such as using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, or reducing the amount of ranch dressing for a lighter version. Some have even gone so far as to make this dish a part of their regular dinner rotation due to its ease of preparation and satisfying taste. The combination of bacon, cheese, and creamy sauce is often seen as the ultimate comfort food combination. In fact, many reviews describe it as one of the best chicken dishes theyve ever tried, highlighting its simplicity and rich flavor as key reasons for its success.

FAQ about Anniversary Chicken II Recipe

Leftover Anniversary Chicken II should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it or warm it up in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the chicken.

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with roasted potatoes or even a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier, more tender cut of meat. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken.

Yes, if you prefer a lighter flavor or want to reduce the calories, you can use less ranch dressing. Some people find that half a cup works well instead of a full cup, especially if you're looking to reduce the richness of the sauce.

You can try using teriyaki sauce instead of stir-fry sauce for a sweeter, more savory flavor. Some people also like to add garlic or ginger to the sauce for an extra kick. If you're looking for a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure not to overbake it. Check the chicken after 25 minutes, and if the juices are clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), it's done. You can also cover the dish with foil during baking to retain moisture.

Yes, you can prepare most of the dish in advance. You can fry the bacon and sauté the onions ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. The chicken can also be browned and stored in the baking dish, then assembled with the sauce and cheese just before baking.

No, this recipe is not spicy. However, if you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the stir-fry sauce or ranch dressing.

Comments

Heather Wilson

07/20/2023 05:58:23 PM

Quick heads up, because of restrictions on mentioning specific brands, the recipe may be a bit confusing. I substituted a well-known soy-based gourmet cooking sauce (which I can't name) that closely resembles teriyaki sauce but is thicker. Using regular soy sauce will make the dish too salty. Enjoy cooking! - Danielle

Timothy King

02/14/2023 02:05:38 AM

Added mushrooms to the dish. Instead of using soy sauce, I opted for a dry stir-fry sauce packet (mixed with some water). I also butterflied the chicken breasts.

Samantha Perez

05/03/2023 09:50:31 PM

I don't understand why there are so many complaints about soy sauce in this recipe. If it's not supposed to be there, then don't use it. I absolutely love this Stir Fry sauce recipe, it's my go-to for making chicken breasts. I follow the recipe as instructed, just doubling the ingredients. A little shredded Colby Jack cheese on top after baking adds a nice touch. This recipe is fantastic. Thank you for sharing it! 😊

Maria Jackson

08/03/2024 04:56:06 AM

Absolutely incredible! I tried this recipe for the first time tonight, and my family loved it. The flavors were spot on, and it was surprisingly easy to make. I had pre-cooked bacon on hand, which made it even simpler. I usually prep a batch of bacon at the start of the week for various dishes, so it saved me time. The dish turned out so delicious that it's going into our regular meal rotation. I found that dividing the dressing into two parts, adding half at the start and the rest halfway through, helped prevent any excess runoff. The crispy, baked sauce was a delightful touch that added an extra layer of flavor.

Emma Harris

01/19/2024 06:14:31 PM

This recipe is so simple to prepare and the taste is absolutely incredible. Instead of pan-frying bacon, I opt to sprinkle actual bacon bits over the chicken. I've whipped up this dish at least four times now, and it has quickly become one of my go-to recipes.

Donald Rivera

09/18/2023 12:27:49 AM

I followed the advice of others: swapped soy sauce for teriyaki, halved the amount of bacon, chopped it up, and used low-sodium bacon. Also reduced the amount of parmesan to 3/4 cup, halved the ranch dressing, and added 3/4 teaspoon of minced garlic to the sauteed onions. This dish turned out delicious! I will definitely be making it again. Grateful for the recipe and helpful tips from others!

Eric Johnson

03/06/2024 12:48:02 PM

This is fantastic! It's also simple to prepare.

Samantha Robinson

01/24/2024 05:25:34 AM

I added seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the chicken before browning it. Other than that, I followed the recipe exactly. This dish is definitely a keeper - the flavor is outstanding!

Sharon Miller

10/16/2022 05:20:02 PM

Absolutely delicious! We opted for a teriyaki sauce and my husband couldn't stop praising it!

Edward Green

05/25/2023 07:49:00 PM

Great except I used boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts since I struggle to get them tender and my aging teeth require very tender meat.