Try this easy and flavorful Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with ranch seasoning, garlic, and Italian herbs. Perfect for a family meal, this recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken broth, sour cream, and milk to create a deliciously smooth sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal option for busy nights when you need a comforting, home-cooked meal.
How to Make Creamy Ranch Chicken
- Prep the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Stir in flour to create a roux, then add chicken broth, milk, sour cream, and seasonings. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce until fully cooked and tender. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Ingredients in Creamy Ranch Chicken
- Chicken breasts
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Flour
- Chicken broth
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning
- Salt, pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Tips
- Even Cooking: Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and prevents them from drying out.
- Scrape the Pan: When adding the broth, scrape up the browned bits for extra flavor in the sauce.
- Let the Sauce Thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer until it reduces to your desired consistency, thick and creamy.
Customize It!
- Protein: Swap chicken for pork chops, turkey cutlets, or boneless thighs.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk and sour cream for a lighter sauce without sacrificing flavor.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a boost of vegetables.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
What to Serve with Creamy Ranch Chicken
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the rich sauce.
- Steamed Veggies: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
- Rice or Pasta: Serve over rice or alongside pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish.
Creamy Ranch Chicken
4
servings10
minutes20
minutesLooking for an easy and delicious dinner idea? This Creamy Ranch Chicken is the perfect one-pan recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, flavorful ranch sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and comforting dish is ideal for busy weeknights. Pair it with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal the whole family will love. Made with simple ingredients like chicken broth, sour cream, and ranch seasoning, it’s a must-try for creamy chicken lovers.
Ingredients
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
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- For the Sauce:
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup milk
¼ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (1 oz.) packet ranch seasoning mix
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to low and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until lightly browned.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the ranch seasoning mix. Stir until the sauce is smooth and the seasonings are fully incorporated.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts along with any juices on the plate to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has reduced, remove from heat. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
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