Description
Creamy Ranch Chicken is a delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy ranch sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. Ready in about 30 minutes, this comforting American classic is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
Sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally if needed to create thinner, even pieces ensuring they cook evenly. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Make the sauce base: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add flavor.
- Add cream and herbs: Stir in the heavy cream along with dried parsley, dill, and chives. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly and infuse flavors.
- Add cheeses: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (if using), mixing until melted and smooth, resulting in a rich and creamy ranch sauce.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the creamy ranch sauce over the top, and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve your creamy ranch chicken hot with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a juicier result.
- For a lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Using a store-bought ranch seasoning packet is convenient, but reduce added salt as these packets often contain salt.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, One-Pan Meals, Chicken Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
