This Creamy Ranch Chicken is a quick and easy dinner recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy ranch sauce. 🥘🥛 The combination of buttery ranch flavors, savory garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a comforting, flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables. This dish is great for busy weeknights and is made with simple ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in the ranch seasoning, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
4. Combine and cook: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Serve and garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Nutrients

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Total Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 140mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Sugar: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

This Creamy Ranch Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love. With tender chicken, rich ranch flavors, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner!

A Simple, Yet Flavorful Sauce

The sauce is the star of this dish, as it brings all the flavors together and coats the chicken breasts in a creamy, tangy, and rich dressing. Made from ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, this sauce strikes the perfect balance between savory and creamy. The ranch seasoning adds a delicious herbaceous and tangy flavor, while the heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and luxurious. The Parmesan cheese enhances the richness, providing a nutty, sharp contrast to the creamy base.

This sauce not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also makes an excellent topping for side dishes like mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. The Dijon mustard in the sauce (optional) provides a slight tang and complexity, while the smoked paprika adds depth and a touch of smokiness.

Perfectly Seared Chicken

The chicken breasts in this recipe are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika, then seared to golden perfection. Searing the chicken helps lock in its juices, keeping the meat moist and tender while creating a crispy exterior. This process also adds extra flavor, as the chicken picks up a light caramelization from the heat of the pan.

Once seared, the chicken is returned to the skillet and simmered in the creamy sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together. As the chicken cooks in the sauce, it absorbs the flavors, resulting in a perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken breast with a rich, velvety coating.

Customization and Versatility

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized in a variety of ways to suit your preferences. For a lower-fat version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. If you want to add extra vegetables, you could throw in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to the sauce for additional flavor and nutrition.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese to give the sauce a unique twist. For example, cheddar cheese can be used to create a sharper flavor, or mozzarella could give the dish a creamier, meltier texture. For those who love a bit of heat, adding chili flakes or a small jalapeño to the sauce can provide the perfect balance of spice.

Quick and Easy for Busy Nights

One of the main reasons Creamy Ranch Chicken is so popular is because it’s quick and easy to prepare. The whole dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a last-minute dinner party. The one-pan nature of the recipe means you don’t have to worry about multiple pots and pans, reducing cleanup time and making it a more convenient option for busy cooks.

By using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken, you can cut the cooking time even more. This dish also lends itself well to meal prep—you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat the dish and serve with freshly made sides for a quick, satisfying meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Ranch Chicken

Creamy Ranch Chicken is a high-protein, low-carb dish, making it an excellent choice for those following a low-carb diet or trying to up their protein intake. The chicken breast provides a lean source of protein, while the cream and Parmesan cheese offer richness and fat that contribute to satiety.

The addition of garlic in the sauce provides antioxidant benefits and has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and immune system support. Garlic also enhances the flavor of the dish, making it more savory and aromatic.

The smoked paprika and Dijon mustard add flavor without adding excess calories, while the ranch seasoning gives the dish an herbaceous punch. The combination of these ingredients ensures that each bite of this creamy dish is packed with flavor, while also providing nutritional benefits.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served with a wide variety of sides to complete your meal. Mashed potatoes or steamed rice are classic choices that complement the creamy sauce beautifully. The richness of the sauce soaks into the potatoes or rice, creating a comforting, satisfying meal. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, can add color and texture to the plate, balancing the richness of the chicken and sauce.

If you’re looking to create a more balanced meal, consider serving the chicken with a side salad of mixed greens or a Greek salad, which will add freshness and crunch to the dish. A simple vinaigrette or lemon dressing can help to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce.

Conclusion: A Deliciously Creamy Weeknight Meal

In conclusion, Creamy Ranch Chicken is a perfect dinner choice for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal. The combination of juicy chicken breasts, a rich and creamy sauce, and simple ingredients makes this dish a comforting favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables, it offers a satisfying and well-rounded meal that will please the whole family. Plus, with its ability to be customized and made ahead of time, it’s a dish that will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.