Ranch Chicken Recipe

Juicy Ranch Chicken Recipe: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite

Crispy ranch chicken brings a burst of zesty flavor to your dinner table.

Seasoned with savory herbs and a creamy coating, this dish promises a mouthwatering experience.

Herbs dance across tender meat, creating layers of delightful taste.

Weeknight meals become exciting with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Marinades work magic, infusing each bite with rich, tangy goodness.

Crunchy exterior and juicy interior make this chicken a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

Prepare to fall in love with a new family favorite that’s sure to spark conversation around the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a go-to solution for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complex techniques.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients or adding personal touches like extra herbs, different vegetables, or alternative protein options to suit individual preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Creamy ranch sauce delivers a universally loved taste that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a basic chicken dish into a restaurant-worthy meal that guarantees clean plates and happy diners.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cookware and streamlined cooking process means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying a satisfying meal with family and friends.

What Goes Into Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the centerpiece of this delicious dinner dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Ranch Dressing Mix: Provides a tangy and herbal flavor profile to the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds a subtle aromatic depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish that brings color and a mild herb taste to the dish.
Vegetable Sides:
  • Green Beans: Provides a light, crisp vegetable accompaniment with a fresh and tender texture.
  • Russet Potatoes: Offers a hearty and filling side that complements the creamy chicken perfectly.
Cooking Liquid and Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to brown the chicken and prevent sticking in the skillet.

Cooking Instructions For Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan. Cook each side until golden brown and completely cooked through, turning once. The chicken should have a beautiful caramel-colored exterior and be juicy inside. Transfer chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Luxurious Sauce

Use the same skillet with remaining chicken drippings. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic. Pour in:
  • Ranch dressing mix
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Whisk ingredients together until smooth. Let the sauce simmer and gradually thicken, stirring occasionally. The sauce should become rich and creamy with a velvety texture.

Step 3: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently place cooked chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece, ensuring they’re well-coated. Allow chicken to warm through and absorb the delicious ranch flavors for several minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Green Vegetables

Wash green beans and trim ends. Boil water in a separate pot. Drop beans into boiling water and cook until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain immediately and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Bake Perfect Potatoes

Thoroughly wash russet potatoes. Pierce skin multiple times with a fork. Choose your cooking method:

Microwave: Cook on high for 8-10 minutes

Oven: Bake at 425°F for 45-60 minutes

Potatoes are done when soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Plate with Flair

Arrange a chicken breast on each plate. Drizzle extra ranch sauce over the top. Add a generous portion of green beans and a whole baked potato alongside.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. The green herbs will add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Tips To Make Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Easy

  • Tenderize Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Thicken Sauce Smartly: Let the ranch sauce simmer uncovered to reduce and concentrate flavors, creating a richer, more intense coating for the chicken.
  • Prevent Dry Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to the ranch sauce for extra richness and a subtle tangy note.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, lower-fat version that still maintains creamy texture.

Creative Ideas For Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

  • Herb-Infused Chicken Ranch: Replace ranch dressing mix with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil for a more natural, garden-fresh flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets and use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce carbohydrates and calories.
  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Ranch: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the sauce for a zesty, southwestern-inspired version that brings heat and excitement.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute ranch mix with dairy-free herbs and spices to create a lactose-free meal that's equally creamy and satisfying.

What Matches With Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

  • Sip Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the creamy ranch sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, zesty notes.
  • Pair with Roasted Asparagus: Grilled or roasted asparagus provides a fresh, earthy contrast to the rich chicken, balancing the dish's creamy texture.
  • Match with Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread helps soak up the delicious ranch sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary garlic flavor to the meal.
  • Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: A light, tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch and acidity that helps cut through the heaviness of the creamy chicken dish.

How To Store Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the sauce and chicken are completely cooled before sealing.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

FAQs For Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). When you cut into the thickest part, the meat should be white and not pink.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust cooking time since thighs might take slightly longer to cook through.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories. Use a low-fat ranch dressing mix and reduce the amount of oil when cooking chicken.

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Ranch Chicken Recipe

Ranch Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling ranch chicken elevates weeknight dinners with bold, zesty flavors that dance across your palate. Simple ingredients and quick preparation ensure a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 ounces) ranch dressing mix (dry)

Liquids and Fats:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 pound green beans, trimmed
  • 4 medium russet potatoes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken by generously seasoning with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Sear chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds until aromatic, releasing its fragrant oils.
  4. Whisk ranch dressing mix, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
  5. Gently return chicken to the skillet, allowing it to absorb the ranch sauce’s rich flavors. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  6. Simultaneously prepare green beans by blanching in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook russet potatoes by piercing with a fork and microwaving on high for 8-10 minutes, rotating midway. Alternatively, bake at 425°F for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender.
  8. Plate the chicken, generously coating with ranch sauce. Arrange green beans and potatoes alongside.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, creamy dish.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy texture and ranch flavor profile.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and add protein while keeping the sauce rich and tangy.
  • Customize the ranch seasoning by mixing dried herbs like dill, chives, and parsley to create a personalized, fresher taste.
  • For gluten-sensitive diners, replace ranch mix with homemade seasoning blend using salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs to avoid packaged mixes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 615
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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