Cheesy Ranch Chicken from WingStreet features tender grilled chicken smothered in a creamy ranch sauce, topped with a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and garnished with fresh herbs, served hot and bubbly for a savory, comforting meal.
Equipments
- Oven or broiler
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tender texture in your Cheesy Ranch Chicken. Fresh parsley enhances flavor with a bright herbaceous note, while shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese provide a balanced melt and richness. Choose a high-quality ranch dressing to achieve a creamy and flavorful sauce that binds the dish. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring your flavors are well-rounded. Your Cheesy Ranch Chicken from WingStreet copycat menu will deliver a rich, comforting meal that mimics the original's hot, bubbly, and savory appeal.
Instructions
- Preheat oven or broiler to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease baking dish or sheet pan.
- Slice chicken breasts into even pieces.
- Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Place chicken in baking dish.
- Pour ranch dressing over chicken, coating evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes if extra browning is desired.
- Finely chop parsley.
- Remove chicken from oven.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Cheesy Ranch Chicken from WingStreet copycat menu is easy to adapt if you don't have specific ingredients on hand. You can substitute ranch dressing with a mixture of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and dried herbs to mimic the creamy flavor. If fresh parsley isn't available, dried parsley or other fresh herbs like chives or cilantro work well to add brightness. When choosing cheeses, any mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby can replace cheddar or mozzarella without compromising the dish's gooey texture. To ensure even cooking and prevent drying, use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC).
Tips
Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly to promote uniform cooking and avoid undercooked portions. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for safety. Coating the chicken thoroughly with ranch dressing helps keep it moist and flavorful throughout baking. When broiling for extra browning, watch closely to prevent the cheese from burning.
Nutritions
Cheesy Ranch Chicken is a protein-rich dish providing essential amino acids from the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The creamy ranch dressing contributes fats and calories, while the combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses adds calcium, vitamin D, and additional protein. Your meal will also contain sodium, so portion control is recommended for those monitoring salt intake. Fresh parsley offers a small boost of antioxidants and vitamins A and K to enhance the dish's nutritional profile.
Storage
Store Cheesy Ranch Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. You can reheat it in the oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes or under the broiler for a few minutes to restore the melted cheese's texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the chicken to dry out and the cheese to become rubbery.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting the ranch dressing with a mixture of Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning for a tangier, lighter sauce. You can swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs to add more juiciness and flavor. Consider adding diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before baking to introduce a subtle smoky heat. Your dish can also be rotated using a cast-iron skillet for better oven-to-table presentation and enhanced crust development on the chicken.
Allergies
Cheesy Ranch Chicken contains dairy ingredients like cheddar and mozzarella cheese as well as ranch dressing, which may cause allergic reactions for individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The ranch dressing could also contain eggs or other additives that trigger allergies. You should carefully check the ingredients and consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about food allergies before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Cheesy Ranch Chicken from WingStreet restaurant is loved for its crispy chicken smothered in a creamy ranch sauce and melted cheese, creating a rich and indulgent flavor experience. Its savory combination appeals to those who enjoy bold, comforting tastes that satisfy cravings for both cheese and tangy ranch. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize the seasoning and ingredient quality, ensuring your version matches your exact preferences for freshness and spice levels. Your homemade Cheesy Ranch Chicken offers a delicious, cost-effective alternative that captures the essence of the original while adding a personal twist.