This Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken is a tasty dish that combines chicken with a rich and smooth ranch sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
Who doesn’t love a dinner that feels fancy but is super easy? I like to serve it with rice or veggies for a complete meal. It’s creamy goodness in every bite! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option.
Ranch Seasoning: A packet of ranch seasoning makes it easy, but you can also make your own using garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley. This way, you can control the flavors!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as lighter creams may reduce quicker.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar adds a nice touch, feel free to swap it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you like a different flavor. Vegan cheese can also be used for a dairy-free twist!
How Do I Get Chicken That’s Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky. Here’s how to achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts:
- Start with an even thickness by pounding the chicken to uniform size. This helps it cook evenly.
- Sear the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat to create a delicious crust. Limit handling to keep the crust intact.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is juicy and safe to eat.
- If you feel uneasy about baking, you can also finish cooking on the stove. Just ensure the sauce gets nice and hot.
Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to cook in total. With just a little time, you’ll have a creamy, delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s perfectly hot and ready for the chicken when you’re done cooking it on the stove.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Just a pinch is enough to enhance the flavor!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step adds fantastic flavor and color. Once browned, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. This will make your kitchen smell amazing!
5. Create the Cream Sauce:
Next, stir in the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which helps blend all the flavors together beautifully.
6. Add Cheese (If Using):
If you’re adding cheddar cheese, do it now! Stir it in until melted and fully combined into the sauce. This will make the sauce extra creamy and rich.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Now, return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the delicious ranch cream sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are nicely coated.
8. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once finished, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with sides like rice or steamed vegetables, and enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to thaw them completely first. Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from becoming rubbery.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, milk with a bit of cornstarch, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be a little less rich, so adjust seasonings to taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce if it gets thick.
Can I Make This Recipe in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt the recipe for a slow cooker, combine the chicken with the ranch seasoning, garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, adding the cheese near the end of the cooking time to melt it in.
