There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about ranch flavors. Growing up in a home where weeknights meant simple, satisfying dinners and weekends invited indulgent meals, this Creamy Ranch Chicken was a beloved staple. My grandmother often whipped it up when we needed comfort in a bowl, pairing the dish with buttery mashed potatoes or a light green salad, depending on the season. With its perfectly seared chicken and a luscious ranch-infused cream sauce, this recipe combines rustic charm with crowd-pleasing flavor.
Whether you’re cooking on a chilly winter evening or serving a family-friendly summer meal, this dish hits the mark every time. Let’s dive into the heart of comfort food with this easy yet indulgent recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ranch Chicken
- Quick and easy: From pan to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with flavor: The ranch seasoning blends beautifully with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or seasonal veggies.
- Family favorite: Kid-approved and adult-adored.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (1 oz.) packet Ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1” thickness using a meat mallet.
- Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Once fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
- Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Return the chicken and any juices from the plate back to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken, cover partially, and let simmer for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Serving Suggestions
- Summer Vibes: Pair with a chilled cucumber salad or grilled corn.
- Winter Comfort: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.
- Low-Carb Option: Spoon over steamed broccoli or cauliflower mash.
Tips & Variations
- Swap the chicken: Try with boneless thighs or even pork chops.
- Add veggies: Stir in baby spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe never goes out of style. It’s got all the makings of a weeknight hero and the creamy goodness of a weekend indulgence. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this becomes a cherished recipe for your family, just as it was in mine.
Have you tried this recipe? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram or leave a comment below with your twist!
Creamy Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)
Creamy Ranch Sauce:
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1 oz. packet Ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1” thickness using a meat mallet.
- Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Once fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
- Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
- Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Return the chicken and any juices from the plate back to the skillet.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken, cover partially, and let simmer for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
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