Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe
This Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious ranch-flavored cream sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. The dish is enhanced with garlic and optional cheddar cheese for extra creaminess, finished with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it, to release its fragrance.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the ranch seasoning mix and stir well to create a smooth sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using, until melted and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less cheese.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder can be a substitute but adjust quantity.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: creamy ranch chicken, easy chicken dinner, ranch seasoning, chicken recipe, weeknight meal, creamy chicken sauce