This Creamy Ranch Chicken is a winner for easy dinners! You’ll love the juicy chicken pieces cooked in a rich ranch sauce that makes everything so tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using chicken thighs, which are juicier. For vegetarian folks, you could substitute with tofu or tempeh, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can substitute half and half for a lighter version. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream works well, too, but it’ll give a slight coconut flavor.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: If you can’t find ranch seasoning, you can create your own mix using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Or use Italian seasoning for a different twist!
Cheddar Cheese: I love adding shredded cheddar for extra flavor. If you prefer something lighter, skip the cheese or use a low-fat version. Other good choices include mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick.
How Do You Ensure Tender and Juicy Chicken?
One key step for juicy chicken is searing. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps create a nice crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece room to cook evenly.
- If the chicken is thick, you might want to pound it slightly for even cooking.
After searing, the baked chicken will soak in all those creamy flavors and stay tender. Enjoy your delicious dinner!
Creamy Ranch Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 35 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the chicken.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mix will give your chicken a nice kick!
3. Season the Chicken:
Rub this spice mixture generously onto both sides of the chicken breasts for an even coating of flavor.
4. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
5. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
While the chicken is searing, whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, and the ranch seasoning mix in a separate bowl until it’s smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Once the chicken is seared, pour the creamy ranch sauce over the chicken in the skillet, ensuring it’s well covered.
7. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the chicken and sauce now for that cheesy goodness!
8. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the sauce will be bubbly and delicious!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve it hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a comforting meal!
Enjoy your delightful Creamy Ranch Chicken dinner!
FAQ for Creamy Ranch Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking for even results. You can thaw frozen chicken by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
To make this creamy ranch chicken low-carb, simply omit the cheese or replace it with a low-carb version. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice or a side of non-starchy vegetables instead of traditional sides like rice or mashed potatoes.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can season the chicken and prepare the creamy ranch sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear the chicken and add the sauce before baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
