Description
Creamy ranch chicken is a warming, 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 plain 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
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Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Pound breasts to even thickness if needed.
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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.
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Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour to form a light roux. Slowly whisk in broth until smooth.
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Stir in cream, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return chicken to skillet and let simmer in sauce for 10–12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Add mushrooms, spinach, or bacon if desired. Stir to combine.
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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