Key Ingredients
For the Chicken:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into thin strips so that they cook through and can absorb lots of flavor.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs is what gives the chicken its earthy flavor.
Salt and Pepper: to taste; balances and develops flavors in the food.
Butter and olive oil: Use them together to cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and flavorful.
For the creamy ranch sauce:
Cream of chicken soup: This is the MVP ingredient—it provides luscious creaminess and savory flavor.
Milk: Enough to reach that just-right sauce texture.
Sour Cream: Adds tangy flavor, which counterbalances the richness of the sauce.
Salt and onion powder: Salt enhances flavors, and onion powder adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The body of the sauce, giving it classic ranch flavor.
Ingredients list with amounts and instructions are in the grocery list below
Instructions for Creamy Ranch Chicken
Prepare and Sear the Chicken
For this recipe, we begin by cutting one boneless, skinless the chicken breast into 2-3 thin strips (approx ½ thick). This not only helps the chicken cook more evenly, but also more quickly. Season the chicken pieces with the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Soften butter and brush one side of each piece. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices, butter side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side or until nicely browned once oil is hot and shimmering. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Pro tip: When searing the chicken, don’t crowd the skillet — sear in batches if necessary for even browning and a good crust to form.
Creamy Ranch Chicken
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Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
Meanwhile, in the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder and Ranch seasoning mix. You are going to whisk everything together until combined and smooth.
Bring the sauce to a gentle bubble, then lower the heat to low. Let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens a bit and all the flavors combine.
Pro Tip: If sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, reduce it uncovered for another few minutes, until thickened.
Chicken Skillet Return the Chicken to the Skillet
Add the seared chicken slices back to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Drizzle some of the sauce over each piece so they are all well coated. Partially cover the skillet with a lid, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, blooming the flavors and warming the chicken through.
Serve
Take the skillet off heat and allow it to rest a few minutes before serving. Serve the creamy ranch chicken over mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or your favorite veggies. Use more sauce over the chicken and sides, if you want!
Creamy Ranch Chicken
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Tips for Success
Cut the Chicken Even: Slicing a chicken breast in half creates two thinner pieces of chicken which helps the chicken cook evenly and soak up more flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: So long as we’re on the subject, don’t crowd the pan when you’re searing the chicken, which will inhibit its browning (or place a second batch in the oven to cook at the same time).
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to get it to your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Ranch Chicken is great with many different sides. Here are some ways to round out your meal:
Mashed Potatoes: Serve the chicken and sauce on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, for a cozy dinner.
Baked Potatoes: This a great option if you serve over baked potatoes.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced meal.
Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over rice — fluffy white or brown — for a winning combo.
Crusty Bread: Serve with some crusty bread or buttered garlic bread to soak up all of the creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Place any leftover in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce individually in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming.
To reheat: In a skillet set over medium heat, stirring occasionally, heat until warmed through. And if the sauce has seized up too firm, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.
Creamy Ranch Chicken
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Variations and Modifications
Toss in Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and taste.
For a Spicier Sauce: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Herb-Flavored: Add some chopped fresh herbs — parsley, chives, say — for a fresh, herby flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap out the milk and sour cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter, dairy-free sauce.
Final Thoughts
This is a Fast and Easy recipe for Creamy Ranch Chicken that packs a great deal of flavor and comfort. This juicy, seared chicken with the rich, creamy ranch sauce is a match made in heaven. Serve it for a cozy family dinner or a weeknight meal, and you’ll have everyone clamoring for seconds!
Now go and enjoy every ranchy, cream-filled bite! 🍗❤️
