Anniversary chicken wins rave reviews from all corners of the Internet. One of the easiest chicken dinners out there, this saucy and savory recipe only has a handful of ingredients and takes less than a half-hour to put together. The results are worthy of any special occasion (like anniversaries!), but that doesn’t mean it’s just for family—it’s also one of our favorite dinner party recipes.
Chicken casserole is a classic vintage recipe that’s wildly popular today—and for good reason. The savory chicken has a rich, complex sauce that’s made by combining two unexpected pantry staples: teriyaki sauce and ranch dressing. It may sound like a strange combination, but together they become slightly sweet, slightly salty, slightly tangy and incredibly creamy.
Anniversary Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe. If you don’t have time to shop in person, we have suggestions for how to buy chicken online.
- Teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce is a thick, sweet-and-savory glaze made with soy sauce and aromatics like garlic and ginger. If you’re buying it, try our Test Kitchen’s picks for best teriyaki sauce—otherwise you can make your own using this teriyaki chicken recipe.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese thickens the sauce and adds rich flavor. The Test Kitchen also has some favorite shredded cheddar cheese brands.
- Ranch dressing: Ranch dressing is a key ingredient in a surprising array of recipes. The flavor is subtle, and the dressing adds creaminess to this chicken dish. Use your favorite bottle or make your own—there are a lot of ranch dressing recipes to use if you have extra.
- Bacon bits: Sensing a theme? This recipe is all about layering simple ingredients to create a whole that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Bacon adds both umami and crunch.
Directions
Step 1: Brown the chicken
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the flour in a shallow bowl wide enough to fit the chicken breasts. Dip each piece of chicken in flour to coat both sides, and shake off any excess.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on both sides, then transfer them to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t crowd the pan when browning the chicken. This will steam the chicken rather than brown it. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Step 2: Layer the sauce ingredients
Brush the teriyaki sauce over the chicken pieces. Top them with ranch dressing, cheese, bacon bits and green onions.
Editor’s Tip: There’s no need to be overly precise with the layering. This is truly a no-fuss recipe, which is why we love it.
Step 3: Bake the chicken
Bake the chicken, uncovered, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest piece of chicken reads 165°. It should take 15 to 17 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a tasty alternative to chicken breast. You may need to slightly increase the baking time to fully cook them.
- Change up the cheese: Any melty cheese you like will taste great in this recipe, from mozzarella and white cheddar to kicky pepper jack.
- Switch up the allium: Replace the green onion with finely chopped white or red onion. You can also add extra flavor by caramelizing an onion in the same pan that you brown the chicken in. Layer in the caramelized onions with the rest of the toppings.
- Add vegetables: Anniversary chicken’s rich sauce tastes great with added vegetables. Try it with spinach, chopped kale, steamed broccoli, or sauteed red peppers or mushrooms.
- Top with bread crumbs: About halfway through baking, scatter bread crumbs over the top of the casserole dish for extra crunch.
How to Store Anniversary Chicken
Keep leftover anniversary chicken in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to four days.
Can you freeze anniversary chicken?
Yes, you can freeze anniversary chicken. Allow the cooked dish to cool, then cover it tightly with storage wrap then foil. Freeze anniversary chicken for up to three months. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight, then remove the storage wrap and reheat it in a 350° oven until the chicken is warmed through.
Anniversary Chicken Tips
What should I serve with anniversary chicken?
Anniversary chicken tastes delicious with many classic sides: fresh salad, dinner rolls, steamed green beans or broccoli, roasted vegetables and any one of our best potato recipes. Other favorite sides for chicken will taste delicious, too. Since anniversary chicken cooks quickly, you might want a speedy side dish to go with it. For a very special occasion, don’t forget a showstopping layered dessert.
Can I cook anniversary chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! Anniversary chicken cooks quickly in the air fryer. Put the chicken, teriyaki sauce and ranch dressing in the air fryer basket. Cook it at 380˚ for about seven minutes, then flip the chicken over and add the cheese, bacon and onions. Cook it for another four to six minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°.
