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Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/creamy-ranch-chicken-recipe/