why make this recipe
Creamy Ranch Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. The combination of ranch seasoning with creamy elements like sour cream and milk makes this meal not only tasty but also filling. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
how to make Creamy Ranch Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each)
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)
- 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 (1 oz.) packet Ranch seasoning mix
Directions:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1” thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add olive oil. Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to low and add the remaining butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits stuck to the pan.
- Add milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir to combine until the sour cream and ranch seasoning has fully dissolved into the sauce.
- Add the chicken and any plate juices back to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reduced slightly.
- Dish and serve hot, topped with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
how to serve Creamy Ranch Chicken
Creamy Ranch Chicken is best served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, which can soak up the delicious sauce. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
how to store Creamy Ranch Chicken
To store Creamy Ranch Chicken, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
tips to make Creamy Ranch Chicken
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. A little extra garlic or herbs can enhance the flavor.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute low-fat sour cream and milk.
variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Another option is to use different proteins, such as pork or turkey, instead of chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat when ready to serve.
2. Is there a substitute for ranch seasoning?
Yes, you can mix your own seasoning using herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder if you don’t have ranch seasoning.
3. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and fully cook them before following the recipe.
Creamy Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each)
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided Use 1 tablespoon for searing and 2 tablespoons for sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk Low-fat can be used for a healthier version
- 1/4 cup sour cream Low-fat can be used for a healthier version
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix (1 oz.) A substitute can be made using dill, parsley, and garlic powder
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley For serving, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1” thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add olive oil. Sear the chicken on each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to low and add the remaining butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits stuck to the pan.
- Add milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir to combine until the sour cream and ranch seasoning has fully dissolved into the sauce.
- Add the chicken and any plate juices back to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reduced slightly.
Serving
- Dish and serve hot, topped with fresh parsley if desired.