Name: Creamy Ranch Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix; 4 oz cream cheese; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Creamy Ranch Chicken is a rich, savory dish that brings together tender chicken, ranch seasoning, and a smooth, creamy sauce in one comforting skillet. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s full of flavor and comes together quickly with simple ingredients. I love pairing it with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and reliable this dish is. The ranch seasoning adds that classic herby, tangy flavor while the creamy sauce makes it feel indulgent without a lot of effort. It’s kid-friendly, adult-approved, and totally flexible—I can keep it simple or add veggies to turn it into a one-pan dinner. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Creamy Ranch Chicken

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil or butter
Ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
Garlic, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Cream cheese or sour cream (optional for extra richness)
Salt and black pepper
Chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)

Directions

I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and half of the ranch seasoning.
I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, I reduce the heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
I stir in the heavy cream and remaining ranch seasoning, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
If using, I stir in cream cheese or sour cream until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
I return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top, and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
I garnish with chopped parsley or chives and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Total time: About 30 minutes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for more depth and nutrition. I’ve also used this sauce as a creamy base for a baked casserole. If I want a spicy twist, I stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of hot sauce. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half and skip the cream cheese.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. It still tastes great the next day. Creamy Ranch Chicken

FAQs

Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?

Yes. I often make my own with a mix of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It gives me more control over the salt and flavor.

What sides go well with this dish?

I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad also make great pairings.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I cook the chicken and sauce ahead and store them separately if I want the chicken to stay juicy. I reheat them together when ready to serve.

Can I bake this instead?

Absolutely. I sear the chicken first, then pour the sauce over it in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes until bubbly and fully cooked.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

If I want a thicker sauce, I simmer it a little longer uncovered, or stir in extra cream cheese or a small cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

Creamy Ranch Chicken is one of those easy comfort meals I know I can count on. It’s rich, flavorful, and so simple to make, yet it feels like something special every time. Whether I’m serving it for a cozy dinner or prepping it for a busy week, it’s always a creamy, satisfying favorite.