Description
Creamy ranch chicken is a comforting, family-friendly dinner featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, ranch-seasoned cream sauce. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half and half
½ cup sour cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce)
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms
Optional: 2 cups baby spinach
Optional: ½ cup cooked bacon crumbles
Optional: ½ cup shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese
Instructions
Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Pound breasts to even thickness if needed.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour to form a light roux. Slowly whisk in broth until smooth.
Stir in cream, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return chicken to skillet and let simmer in sauce for 10–12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Add mushrooms, spinach, or bacon if desired. Stir to combine.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or breasts for leaner protein.
Sauce too thin? Let it simmer uncovered or add a small slurry of cornstarch.
Sauce too thick? Stir in extra broth or milk.
Dairy can separate if overheated—keep simmering gentle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken breast with sauce)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg