Creamy Ranch Chicken

When I think of comfort food, Creamy Ranch Chicken instantly comes to mind. This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty but still easy to make. I remember the first time I whipped this up; I had a busy day and wanted something that would be quick yet satisfying. The aroma of the chicken cooking, mixed with the rich ranch sauce, filled my kitchen and made my home feel inviting. As I served it over a mound of fluffy rice, the smiles at the dinner table confirmed that I had struck gold with this recipe. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that brings everyone together, making it a staple in our household.

Ingredient List for Creamy Ranch Chicken

The ingredients for Creamy Ranch Chicken are simple yet effective, working together to create a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish. The star ingredients, like chicken and heavy cream, come together with a delightful blend of spices to create a meal that’s sure to impress.

• 2 chicken breasts – The main protein of this dish, providing a hearty and satisfying base.
• ½ teaspoon EACH garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper – These seasonings add layers of flavor to the chicken, making it irresistible.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Used for dredging the chicken, giving it a nice golden crust when cooked.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Essential for frying, it adds flavor and helps to create a crispy exterior.
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped – Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic base, enhancing the sauce significantly.
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning – The magic ingredient that gives this dish its signature taste.
• 1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Adds depth and helps create a perfect sauce consistency.

Recipe Steps for Creamy Ranch Chicken

Cooking Creamy Ranch Chicken is a breeze, and I promise you’ll enjoy every minute. It starts by prepping the chicken and ends with a rich, creamy sauce that’s downright delicious. Here’s how to create this comforting dish.

1. Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board or flat surface. Using a sharp knife, slice them in half horizontally to make four thin cutlets. This will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is generously coated to ensure full flavor.
3. Dredge the seasoned chicken in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This step will help create a nice crust when cooked.
4. In a large heavy-duty skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about three to four minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
5. To the same skillet, add the butter and chopped garlic. Cook for one minute or until the garlic is fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
6. Next, whisk in the ranch seasoning and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer. The sauce should begin to thicken slightly.
7. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper to your preference. It should be rich and flavorful.
8. Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over the top. This will infuse the chicken with all the delicious flavors.
9. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
10. Serve your Creamy Ranch Chicken warm, over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

Making Adjustments

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Creamy Ranch Chicken experience:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Spice it up: For a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
• Variation: Substitute the ranch seasoning with other seasoning blends for different flavor profiles.

Serving This Creamy Ranch Chicken

Serving Creamy Ranch Chicken is an opportunity to get creative and make it a memorable meal. Consider these ideas:

• Accompaniments: Serve this dish with mashed potatoes for a classic pairing, or opt for rice to soak up that creamy sauce.
• Occasions: Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even cozy nights in. It’s a dish that feels special yet is easy to prepare.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, fresh garden salads can lighten the meal, while in colder months, roasted vegetables are a comforting option.
• Leftover Ideas: Use leftover Creamy Ranch Chicken in sandwiches or salads for a tasty lunch the next day.

FAQ

Conclusion

Creamy Ranch Chicken is a dish that embodies comfort and satisfaction. It’s simple enough for an everyday meal yet special enough to impress guests. I encourage you to try it and enjoy the creamy goodness that will have your family coming back for seconds!

Creamy Ranch Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Ranch Chicken is a creamy, easy weeknight dinner that brings everyone to the table. This dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you crave something satisfying. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning 1 packet
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth

Instructions

 

• Lay chicken breasts on cutting board or flat surface and slice in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, then dredge in flour and shake off any excess.
• Heat oil in a large heavy-duty skillet. Place chicken breasts in the skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and set aside.
• To the same pan, add the butter and garlic and cook for a minute or until the garlic is fragrant. Whisk in the ranch seasoning and pour in the chicken broth and heavy creamy. Bring to a simmer then reduce the heat, taste the sauce, and add more salt & pepper as desired.
• Return the chicken to the sauce and spoon sauce over the chicken. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or veggies.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 2: This dish can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Tip 3: Serve with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Tip 4: For a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
• Tip 5: Substitute the ranch seasoning with other seasoning blends for different flavor profiles.

Keyword Comfort Food Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy ranch chicken, quick chicken dinner