Name: Easy Ranch Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 large Chicken breasts; to taste Pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 3 tablespoons, divided Butter; 2 tablespoons Flour; 1 1/4 cup Chicken broth (low sodium); 1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning ((I use Hidden Valley)); 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (optional, but recommended)

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When I think of comfort food, Easy Ranch Chicken immediately comes to mind. It’s one of those recipes that can make any dinner feel special with minimal effort. I remember the first time I made it; I was rummaging through my kitchen, trying to figure out what to whip up for dinner on a busy weeknight. I had some chicken breasts in the fridge and a few pantry staples, and suddenly this dish came to life. The rich, savory flavors of ranch seasoning paired with tender chicken create a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. It has become a family favorite, often requested for weekday meals and gatherings alike.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
400 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
28 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Frying Pan, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Whisk

The Beauty of This Easy Ranch Chicken

Easy Ranch Chicken stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. You can have everything done in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy nights. Second, the flavors meld beautifully, thanks to the ranch seasoning, which adds an irresistible zing to the chicken. Third, this dish is versatile; you can serve it with various sides, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand. I love how easily it pairs with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, making it a well-rounded meal. Fourth, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress. Lastly, it offers a comforting, home-cooked taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and time again, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Ranch Chicken

The ingredients in Easy Ranch Chicken work together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Each ingredient plays a role in building the dish’s rich flavor and creamy texture. The chicken serves as the main star, while the ranch seasoning adds a delightful herby note that enhances every bite.

2 large chicken breasts: The foundation of the dish, providing protein and a hearty texture.
Pepper to taste: Adds a touch of heat and enhances the flavors of the chicken.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle flavor booster that complements the ranch seasoning.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, adding richness and preventing sticking.

3 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds creaminess and flavor to the sauce.
2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce, creating a luscious coating for the chicken.
1 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce, keeping it moist and flavorful.

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning: The star seasoning that gives this dish its signature taste.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness.

The Process for Making Easy Ranch Chicken

Making Easy Ranch Chicken is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. It starts with prepping the chicken and ends with a rich, creamy sauce that you won’t be able to resist. Follow these steps to create a dish that your whole family will love!

Begin by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. This will help them cook evenly and quickly. Season each piece generously with pepper and garlic powder, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the pan heat for a couple of minutes until the butter melts and starts to bubble. This is the perfect time to add your seasoned chicken.
Carefully add the chicken to the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden color. Once perfectly browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter into the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about a minute to create a roux. It should be smooth and light in color.
Now, slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring that the roux dissolves completely. You’ll notice it thickening slightly. Keep stirring to prevent any lumps from forming.
Next, add the ranch seasoning and stir to combine, letting the flavors meld beautifully together. The sauce should be creamy and fragrant, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma.

Return the browned chicken to the skillet, along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens further. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent the sauce from getting too thick.
Once done, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, adding a touch of color and freshness to the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy the savory goodness of Easy Ranch Chicken!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking chicken perfectly: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to avoid overcooking.

Thickening sauce: If your sauce is too thick, whisk in a bit more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ways to Customize

While Easy Ranch Chicken is fantastic on its own, here are some ideas to customize it to your liking!

Add vegetables: Stir in some fresh or frozen vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
Change the protein: Use turkey or even tofu for a lighter variation or to cater to different dietary preferences.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
Try different herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a twist on flavor.
Make it creamy: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end.

Pair it with sides: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Ideas for Easy Ranch Chicken

When it comes to serving Easy Ranch Chicken, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ideas to make your meal special:

Over rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling and comforting dish.

With a salad: Pair with a fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette for a light and healthy contrast.
With bread: Serve alongside crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Perfect for gatherings: This dish is an excellent choice for potlucks or family gatherings, offering a comforting option everyone will enjoy.

Meal prep: Make a big batch for meal prep, portioning it out for healthy lunches throughout the week.
Pair with sides: Complement with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
Seasonal serving: Consider pairing with seasonal vegetables or sides to celebrate different times of the year.

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for Easy Ranch Chicken. Just ensure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to allow for even cooking. If you are in a hurry, you can microwave the chicken to defrost it quickly. However, I recommend not cooking frozen chicken directly in the skillet, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less desirable texture.

There are many delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Easy Ranch Chicken. You can serve it with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or over a bed of rice or pasta. Mashed potatoes also complement the creamy sauce beautifully. Consider adding roasted carrots or zucchini for a colorful and nutritious plate. The versatility of this dish allows you to get creative with your sides!

To store leftovers of Easy Ranch Chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Enjoy your leftovers!

Absolutely! You can prepare Easy Ranch Chicken ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of cooking the chicken. Store the raw ingredients separately until you’re ready to cook. Alternatively, you can fully cook the dish, allow it to cool, and then refrigerate it for two to three days. Just reheat it before serving, and it will taste just as delicious!

Conclusion

Easy Ranch Chicken is a quick and satisfying dish that delivers on flavor and comfort. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. I encourage you to try it for your next dinner, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Easy Ranch Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Ranch Chicken is a creamy, savory dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts coated in rich ranch flavors will leave you craving more. Make it tonight for a delicious dinner that your family will love!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Frying Pan
Skillet
Chef's Knife
Whisk

Ingredients

2 large Chicken breasts
to taste Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 tablespoon Olive oil
3 tablespoons, divided Butter
2 tablespoons Flour
1 1/4 cup Chicken broth low sodium
1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning (I use Hidden Valley)
1 tablespoon Fresh parsley optional, but recommended

Instructions

Cut the chicken in half lengthwise so you've got 4 thinner cutlets. Season each piece with pepper and the garlic powder.
Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes.

Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes/side until golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, and once it's melted, stir in the flour and cook for about a minute.
Slowly whisk in the broth until the roux has fully dissolved.

Whisk in the ranch seasoning.
Add the chicken back to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate, and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until it has finished cooking through (165F) and the sauce has thickened up a bit more.
You may need to turn the heat down again so it's gently bubbling (you don't want the sauce to get too thick before the chicken is cooked through).
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately. This recipe is fairly salty, so you probably won't need to add any extra salt.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure that the chicken isn’t overcooked or undercooked.
Watch the salt: This recipe is fairly salty due to the ranch seasoning and chicken broth. If you’re sensitive to salt, use low (or no sodium) chicken broth, halve the ranch amount, or make your own homemade ranch seasoning.