Description
Succulent ranch chicken delivers a flavor explosion in this crowd-pleasing midweek meal. Home cooks will appreciate the simple ingredients and quick preparation that make this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 4 pieces)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for tang)
- 1 tbsp butter (to saute the garlic)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 tbsp sour cream (for added creaminess)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper generously over chicken pieces, ensuring even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet, creating a smooth, velvety base. Incorporate Parmesan cheese until completely melted.
- Add Dijon mustard and sour cream to enhance sauce’s tangy complexity, stirring until fully integrated.
- Gently return cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to bathe in the creamy ranch sauce for 2-3 minutes and absorb flavors.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley and optional shredded cheddar cheese over the dish for a vibrant, cheesy finish. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and luxurious.
Notes
- Swap ranch seasoning with homemade blend using dried herbs like dill, chives, and parsley for a fresher, more customized flavor profile.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-packed sauce that cuts down on calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- For gluten-free version, ensure ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free or make your own seasoning from scratch using pure spices.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers directly into the sauce for increased nutrition and vibrant color contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 347 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg