Introduction
This recipe features a deliciously creamy and savory dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Combining tender chicken breasts with a rich ranch dressing and Parmesan cheese, this meal is both simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1½ cups ranch dressing
½ cup sour cream
1 to 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup cooked bacon crumbles
Optional garnish: diced fresh parsley
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20-34 minutes
Total Time
30-44 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8 x 11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and sour cream until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 150°F.
6. Switch the oven setting to broil and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
7. Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the cooked bacon crumbles over the top.
8. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with diced fresh parsley.
9. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease an 8 x 11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with half of the grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and sour cream until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 150°F.
Step 6: Broil for Crispness
Switch the oven setting to broil and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
Step 7: Add Bacon Crumbles
Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the cooked bacon crumbles over the top.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with diced fresh parsley.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Meal
Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Thickness
Ensure chicken breasts are even in thickness for uniform cooking.
Note 2: Monitoring Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.
Note 3: Bacon Crumbles
Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon crumbles to your preference.
Note 4: Optional Garnish
Parsley adds a fresh touch; use it for garnish if desired.
Cook techniques
Pounding Chicken Breasts
Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly. This technique helps avoid dry edges and undercooked centers.
Seasoning
Seasoning the chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor profile. It’s important to season both sides for even taste.
Whisking Sauces
Mixing ranch dressing with sour cream creates a rich, creamy sauce that complements the chicken. Whisking until smooth ensures a consistent texture.
Baking
Baking at a specific temperature allows the chicken to cook thoroughly while maintaining moisture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety and optimal doneness.
Broiling
Switching to the broil setting gives the chicken a beautiful golden-brown crust. This technique requires close monitoring to prevent charring.
Resting
Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps retain juices, making it more tender and flavorful when served.
FAQ
Can I use chicken with skin for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken with skin, but the cooking time may vary slightly. Ensure it reaches the appropriate internal temperature.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing?
You can replace ranch dressing with a homemade dressing or other creamy dressings like Caesar or blue cheese.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it lighter, you can use low-fat ranch dressing and sour cream, or substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just bake it before serving for best results.
What should I serve with this chicken?
This chicken pairs well with sides like steamed vegetables, a mixed salad, or pasta for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be frozen. Store them in an airtight container, and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This creamy ranch chicken dish is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surely satisfy your taste buds. The juicy chicken, rich ranch dressing, tangy sour cream, and savory bacon come together to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Pair it with a side of vegetables or pasta for a complete dinner experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
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A great side dish to complement the rich flavors of the ranch chicken, these potatoes are tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese before being roasted to golden perfection.
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Combine sour cream, ranch dressing, and Parmesan cheese with spinach and artichokes for a delicious appetizer that echoes the creamy theme of the main dish.
Caesar Salad with Bacon
A classic Caesar salad topped with crispy bacon and shaved Parmesan can make a refreshing side that pairs well with the baked ranch chicken.
Garlic Breadsticks
These buttery, garlic-flavored breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any extra dressing from your plate, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Mushroom Risotto
Creamy risotto made with mushrooms and Parmesan can serve as a sophisticated side dish, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.
Broccoli Casserole
A cheesy broccoli casserole made with sour cream and shredded cheese can be a wonderful addition, providing a vegetable option that everyone will love.
