Creamy Ranch Chicken

This Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe is a savory and comforting dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. With tender, golden-brown chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful creamy ranch sauce, this dish is packed with all the right ingredients to satisfy your cravings. The combination of sour cream, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning creates a sauce that’s both creamy and full of flavor, making each bite incredibly delicious. Whether served with rice, pasta, or vegetables, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.

Quick and easy to make, this recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a great choice for busy evenings when you want something comforting and delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich, Creamy Sauce

The creamy ranch sauce, made with sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning, is a flavorful addition to the chicken, creating a rich and comforting dish.

2. Quick and Easy

With just a 10-minute prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious meal fast.

3. Tender Chicken

By pounding the chicken to an even thickness and searing it, the chicken breasts turn out tender, juicy, and golden brown, making each bite perfectly cooked.

4. Customizable Flavor

Feel free to add extras like bacon bits for a smoky flavor or use full-fat sour cream for an even richer taste. You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences.

5. Family-Friendly

With its creamy, mild flavors, this dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s simple enough to please picky eaters but flavorful enough for those who appreciate a good, savory dish.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces, 5-8 oz each)
• Salt and pepper
• Butter (3 tablespoons, divided)
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• Flour (1 tablespoon)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Low sodium chicken broth (1 cup)
• Milk (1/2 cup)
• Sour cream (1/4 cup)
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
• Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon)
• Ranch seasoning mix (1 packet, 1 oz)

Variations

• Add Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some bacon bits on top of the chicken before serving.
• Add Veggies: You can toss some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli into the sauce to make the dish even heartier.
• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can easily swap the chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs.

How to Make Creamy Ranch Chicken

Step 1: Pound the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1 inch thick, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 4: Add Dairy and Seasonings

Add the milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and the seasoning is fully dissolved.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken

Return the chicken breasts and any pan juices back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer on low heat until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has reduced, serve the chicken hot with a spoonful of the creamy ranch sauce on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Use Full-Fat Sour Cream: For a creamier and richer sauce, use full-fat sour cream.
• Don’t Skip Scraping the Pan: The browned bits left in the pan after searing the chicken add a lot of flavor to the sauce, so make sure to scrape them up while adding the broth.
• Add Bacon Bits: For a smoky, savory flavor, consider adding bacon bits to the sauce or as a topping.

How to Serve

Creamy Ranch Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a lighter option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Ranch Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, simply heat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

2. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce for a complete meal.

3. Can I use regular sour cream instead of low-fat?

Yes, using full-fat sour cream will give you a richer, creamier sauce, but you can use low-fat if preferred.

4. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked.

5. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream for the milk for an even creamier sauce.

6. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

7. Can I add bacon to this dish?

Absolutely! Bacon bits would add a delicious smoky flavor to the creamy ranch sauce.

8. Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute a homemade ranch seasoning mix for the store-bought packet if you prefer.

9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add the chicken when ready to serve.

10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours, adding the sauce ingredients and letting it simmer until the chicken is tender.

Conclusion

Creamy Ranch Chicken is a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides and add your own favorite ingredients to make it even more delicious.

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