Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy ranch sauce that’s both comforting and delicious. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have dinner ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the ranch seasoning mix until smooth.
5. Step 5: Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken. If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb flavors.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly with some ranch seasoning before cooking.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
• Use fresh garlic for best flavor; garlic powder can be a substitute if needed.

Storage

Store leftover creamy ranch chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well too and can add extra juiciness. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the cheddar cheese. Use a dairy-free ranch seasoning or make your own blend without dairy ingredients.

Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 651 reviews

This Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe features tender, golden-brown chicken breasts smothered in a rich and flavorful creamy ranch sauce. Prepared entirely in a skillet and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. The addition of garlic and optional cheddar cheese elevates the dish with a delicious depth of flavor and creaminess.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Creamy Ranch Sauce

• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and no longer pink in the middle. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! You want it to be fragrant but not browned.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add the ranch seasoning mix. Stir everything well to combine and create a smooth sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This will allow it to thicken slightly. If you’re adding shredded cheddar cheese, stir it in now until it melts and makes the sauce creamy.
6. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy ranch sauce over the chicken and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will warm the chicken through and help it soak up the ranch flavor.
7. Serve and Garnish: Once everything is heated and combined, garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve your creamy ranch chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

• For extra creaminess, add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing; it only needs about 30 seconds.
• Serve with your choice of sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Ensure chicken breasts are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

Keywords: creamy ranch chicken, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, ranch seasoning, quick dinner