Creamy Ranch Chicken

Creamy Ranch Chicken is a quick and comforting skillet dinner that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a rich, zesty ranch cream sauce that’s smooth, savory, and incredibly satisfying. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

Chicken
• 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)

Sauce
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

Instructions

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, and add the olive oil
• Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside
• Lower the heat and add the remaining butter to the skillet
• Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute
• Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the pan
• Add the milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix
• Stir until the sauce is smooth and fully combined
• Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet
• Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer until heated through and slightly thickened
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken hot, spooning extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or a crisp side salad.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.

Variations

1. Garlic Parmesan Ranch Chicken
   Add 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 2 minced garlic cloves to the sauce for a richer, savory flavor.
2. Bacon Ranch Chicken
   Stir in 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky depth and extra texture.
3. Cheesy Ranch Chicken
   Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese at the end and let it melt into the sauce.
4. Mushroom Ranch Chicken
   Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms in the skillet before making the sauce for an earthy twist.
5. Spinach Ranch Chicken
   Add 2 cups fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted for added color and nutrition.
6. Creamy Ranch Chicken Thighs
   Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
7. Spicy Ranch Chicken
   Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
8. Lemon Ranch Chicken
   Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and a bit of lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
9. Low-Carb Ranch Chicken
   Replace flour with almond flour or omit it entirely and let the sauce reduce naturally.
10. Dairy-Free Ranch Chicken
    Use dairy-free butter, unsweetened almond milk, and dairy-free sour cream alternatives.
11. Crockpot Ranch Chicken
    Sear the chicken first, then finish cooking it in the slow cooker with the sauce on low for 3–4 hours.
12. One-Pan Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
    Add parboiled baby potatoes to the skillet and simmer them in the sauce with the chicken.
13. Ranch Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
    Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, slightly sweet flavor.
14. Herb Ranch Chicken
    Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to enhance the ranch seasoning.
15. Ranch Chicken Pasta
    Slice the cooked chicken and toss it with cooked pasta and extra sauce for a complete meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts
   Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy.
2. Is ranch seasoning the same as ranch dressing mix
   Yes, use a dry ranch seasoning packet, not liquid dressing.
3. Can I make this ahead of time
   Yes, you can make it a day ahead and reheat gently before serving.
4. How do I thicken the sauce more
   Simmer longer uncovered or add a small slurry of flour and broth.
5. Can I use heavy cream instead of milk
   Yes, heavy cream will make the sauce even richer and thicker.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free
   Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free flour or omit it.
7. What can I serve with creamy ranch chicken
   Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables are all great options.
8. Can I freeze creamy ranch chicken
   Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.
9. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling
   Keep the heat low after adding sour cream and stir gently.
10. Can I double the recipe
    Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a large skillet.

This Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and comfort. With juicy chicken and a flavorful ranch cream sauce, it’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

Print