Description
Creamy Ranch Chicken: Tender chicken cooked in a rich, tangy ranch cream sauce. Quick, comforting, and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15g) butter
- 2 teaspoons (10g) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon (3g) garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season both sides with ½ teaspoon of ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. This initial seasoning creates the first layer of flavor that will develop as the chicken cooks.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until deeply golden on the first side. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it as this can impart bitterness.
- Step 4: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release all those flavorful browned bits (this is called deglazing). Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, cream cheese, and the remaining ranch seasoning. Whisk constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. If your sauce seems too thick, add additional chicken broth, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, then add fresh herbs. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Allow everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and the flavors have melded.
- Step 7: Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve your Creamy Ranch Chicken immediately, making sure to spoon plenty of that luscious sauce over each serving.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 calories per serving
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 40 grams
- Cholesterol: 150 mg