Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Discover your new favorite weeknight meal with this incredible creamy ranch chicken recipe. It brings together comforting flavors and surprising ease, creating a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings, offering a delicious meal that tastes like it took hours. You can easily pair this versatile chicken with your family’s favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

This delightful creamy ranch chicken recipe will quickly become a cherished part of your dinner rotation.

• Quick 30-minute meal: Get dinner on the table fast, even on the busiest nights.
• Uses simple pantry ingredients: No need for special trips to the store; you likely have most items already.
• Incredibly flavorful and creamy: The rich sauce coats every piece of chicken, bursting with savory ranch taste.
• Perfect for family dinners: Everyone, even picky eaters, will ask for seconds of this comforting dish.
• Versatile with many sides: It pairs beautifully with a wide range of starches and vegetables.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite meal. This creamy ranch chicken recipe uses pantry staples for maximum convenience.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (1 oz.) packet Ranch seasoning mix
• Fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. For chicken, try boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pre-cut chicken cutlets for faster cooking. If you prefer, substitute butter with olive oil, though butter adds richness. All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce; for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended for better salt control. Feel free to use full-fat or reduced-fat sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, thicker sauce. For dairy-free, use unsweetened non-dairy milk and dairy-free sour cream alternative. You can also use homemade ranch powder instead of a packet. Boost flavor with a pinch of cayenne or dried dill.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this delicious meal. A meat mallet helps achieve even chicken thickness. A large skillet with a lid is essential for searing and simmering. You will also need measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, and a serving spoon.

Instructions

Creating this delightful creamy ranch chicken recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.

1. Prepare the chicken: First, lay your boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a meat mallet to pound them to an even 1-inch thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil to the pan. Once the butter melts and the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Remove the seared chicken to a clean plate and set it aside, reserving any pan juices.
3. Build the roux: Reduce the heat in the skillet to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce.
4. Deglaze the pan: Gradually pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These bits, called fond, add incredible depth of flavor to your sauce.
5. Whisk in sauce ingredients: Add the milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the sour cream and ranch seasoning have fully dissolved into a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Simmer and cook: Return the seared chicken and any accumulated plate juices back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce over low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will also reduce and thicken slightly during this time.
7. Garnish and serve: Dish out the hot creamy ranch chicken immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious home-cooked meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time by pounding it to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry spots. To prevent your creamy sauce from curdling, ensure your sour cream is at room temperature before adding it to the warm liquid, and whisk it in gradually. If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or broth. For a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk into the simmering sauce. Manage sodium levels effectively by using low-sodium broth and tasting before adding extra salt. Boost flavor by scraping up all those pan drippings when deglazing. Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This versatile creamy ranch chicken recipe offers endless possibilities for serving and customization.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this hearty dish with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.
• Serve it generously over egg noodles or your favorite pasta for a complete and comforting meal.
• Complement the rich chicken with a side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a fresh garden salad.

Variations

• For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the finished dish.
• Sauté sliced mushrooms or fresh spinach and stir them into the sauce before adding the chicken back.
• Experiment with different chicken cuts, such as boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which offer a richer flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick or more for a spicier version.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover creamy ranch chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of this delightful creamy ranch chicken. This information provides estimated values.

FAQ

• Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs? Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and will add even more flavor to your creamy ranch chicken recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed, as thighs may take slightly longer.
• How do I thicken a runny sauce? If your sauce is too thin, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute until thickened.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can. Use unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Ensure your ranch seasoning mix is also dairy-free.
• Is homemade ranch seasoning mix an option? Yes, homemade ranch powder works wonderfully! Simply substitute the packet with an equal amount of your preferred homemade blend for the same great taste.
• Can I freeze creamy ranch chicken? Freezing creamy sauces can sometimes alter their texture upon thawing and reheating, often making them curdle. While technically possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

This incredible creamy ranch chicken recipe truly offers a perfect balance of speed, simplicity, and irresistible flavor. It’s a fantastic solution for busy weeknights, delivering a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. With minimal effort, you can create a meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Give this amazing chicken a try tonight; your taste buds will thank you! We encourage you to make it your own, share your experience in the comments, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!

Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe: Your New Weeknight Favorite

This creamy ranch chicken recipe is your new go-to for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a rich, flavorful sauce.

Print Recipe click

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• meat mallet
• skillet
• plate

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each)
• Salt
• pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Fresh parsley to garnish (optional)

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 Ranch seasoning mix (1 oz.) packet

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the seasoned chicken until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
• Remove the chicken to a plate, reduce heat to low, add the remaining butter to the skillet, and stir in flour to cook for about one minute.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
• Add the milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix, stirring until fully combined and dissolved into the sauce.
• Return the chicken and its plate juices to the pan, spooning the sauce over the chicken, and simmer until heated through and the sauce has reduced slightly.
• Serve the creamy ranch chicken hot, optionally topped with fresh parsley.

Notes

Serve this creamy ranch chicken with rice or mashed potatoes and a side of your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.