One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe because it’s comfort food and speed all wrapped into one dish. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how effortlessly the flavors meld together, making weeknight dinners feel like a treat without all the fuss. The creamy ranch and parmesan sauce turns simple chicken and broccoli into something spectacular, and you’ll find it’s perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress with minimal cleanup.

What makes this recipe truly special is that it’s all cooked in just one pan—no juggling pots or extra dishes. Plus, the combination of salsa verde and pickled jalapeños gives it a subtle kick that keeps every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for meal prep, this One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe is definitely worth a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully for this One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe—simple, familiar flavors that complement each other perfectly. When shopping, I recommend using fresh broccoli and good-quality parmesan for the best taste.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs give juicier, more flavorful results, but breasts work well too—you choose your fave.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly.
• Dried parsley: Adds fresh herb flavor without needing fresh herbs.
• Dried chives: Perfect for that mild oniony touch.
• Dried dill: This adds a subtle brightness that lifts the sauce.
• Garlic powder: The easiest way to get rich garlic flavor evenly distributed.
• Paprika: Gives just a hint of smoky warmth and color.
• Yellow onion: Chopped for sweetness and texture.
• Salsa verde: If you haven’t tried this in creamy dishes, you’re in for a treat—adds zest and a little tang.
• Pickled jalapeños (optional): For a kick of heat—adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Heavy cream or canned coconut milk: Heavy cream makes it luxuriously creamy, but coconut milk works if you want dairy-free.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
• Cold salted butter: Adds richness and helps build sauce depth.
• Chopped broccoli: Adds color, crunch, and a veggie boost—don’t skip it!

Variations

I love tweaking this One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe now and then to keep things exciting. Feel free to personalize the spice blend or swap in your favorite veggies—you’ll find even simple changes can refresh this dish.

• Use Chicken Thighs: I personally prefer thighs for juicier, more forgiving meat if you tend to overcook chicken.
• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add earthiness and really soak up the creamy sauce—my go-to addition when I want extra texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and omit parmesan for a tasty vegan version (just add nutritional yeast for “cheesy” flavor).
• Spicy Kick: Increase pickled jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne if you want more heat—great for spice lovers.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Mixing the Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—that’s the magic temperature for getting chicken tender and bubbling sauce. In your baking dish, toss the chicken with cream cheese, dried parsley, chives, dill, garlic powder, and paprika. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper here; seasoning your chicken generously at this stage really brings out flavor. Mixing the cream cheese into the chicken helps create that creamy base for the sauce later on. This step gets your flavors well incorporated before you add all the liquid ingredients.

Step 2: Add Onion, Salsa Verde, Jalapeños, and Cream

Next, add the chopped yellow onion right onto the chicken. Pour the salsa verde, pickled jalapeños (if using), and heavy cream over everything. Sprinkle in half of your grated parmesan cheese, then give it a gentle stir right in the dish so all those ingredients blend into a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s important not to overmix—the goal is for sauce and chicken to mingle without breaking up the chicken pieces too much.

Step 3: Top with Butter and Broccoli, then Bake

Arrange sliced cold butter on top of the mixture, then scatter chopped broccoli over everything. The butter melts during baking to enrich the sauce, while broccoli adds color and crunch. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken’s cooked through (internal temp around 165°F) and the broccoli is tender. Towards the end, gently stir everything to combine the sauce and chicken well, then sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top and let it bake a few more minutes for a cheesy finish.

Pro Tips for Making One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of green and fresh flavor. Sometimes I also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten things up—it balances the creamy sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice or buttery orzo to soak up all that sauce. I’ve also served it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or even a simple crusty bread for dipping—any carb that catches sauce is a winner in my book!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this creamy chicken over a bed of wilted spinach or sautéed kale for added color and nutrition. Serving it in individual ramekins also makes it feel extra fancy, especially topped with a little extra parmesan broiled for a minute to get that golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen as it sits, making next-day meals even more delicious. Just be sure to reheat gently to keep the creamy sauce smooth.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up—this helps maintain the creamy texture without separation.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, adding a splash of cream or milk helps revive that luscious sauce. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch; just be sure to heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Creamy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it feels special without the fuss. It’s a comforting, creamy dish that my family asks for again and again, and I love how quick it comes together with just one pan. I highly recommend you give it a try—trust me, you’re going to appreciate how easy it is to make weekdays a little more delicious!

Print