Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Ranch Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, savory ranch-infused sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 packet (or 3 tbsp) ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes (for serving)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the creamy ranch sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
4. Step 4: If using cheddar cheese, stir it into the sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Serve the creamy ranch chicken over cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat that stays tender in the sauce.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or Parmesan for different flavors and textures.
• Make this dish gluten-free by ensuring your ranch seasoning mix and chicken broth contain no gluten.

Storage

Store leftover creamy ranch chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dry ranch seasoning instead of a packet?

Yes, dry ranch seasoning works well. Use about 3 tablespoons or adjust to taste. Make sure it contains all the herbs and spices for that classic ranch flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and omit the butter and cheese. Use dairy-free ranch seasoning if available.

Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 118 reviews

Creamy Ranch Chicken is a delicious and comforting skillet dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful ranch seasoning cream sauce. This easy recipe combines savory herbs, garlic, and optional cheddar cheese for extra creaminess, making it perfect for a cozy dinner served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Ranch Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 packet (or 3 tbsp) ranch seasoning mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

For Serving

• Cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Season & Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, until the exterior is golden brown and the chicken is partially cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in the ranch seasoning mix, onion powder, and paprika. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
3. Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy ranch sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10-12 minutes until it is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). During the last 2 minutes of cooking, if using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted completely and the sauce becomes extra smooth and creamy.
4. Serve & Enjoy: Serve the creamy ranch chicken hot over your choice of cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier results.
• Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream can reduce the dish’s richness and calories.
• Be sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it moist and tender.
• Cheddar cheese is optional but adds wonderful creaminess and flavor.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.

Keywords: Creamy Ranch Chicken, Ranch Chicken, Chicken in Cream Sauce, Easy Chicken Dinner, Skillet Chicken