Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Ranch Chicken is a wonderfully comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy ranch-flavored sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for meal prep, as it’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bring a delicious homemade meal to your table that the whole family will enjoy!
How to Make Creamy Ranch Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
- 1.5 cups milk
- 1 cup sour cream, at room temp
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 oz. packet Ranch seasoning mix
Directions:
- Slice the chicken into 2-3 thinner slices and pound with a meat tenderizer if needed until half inch thick.
- Pat the chicken dry and sprinkle each side with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush one side of each piece with melted butter.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and Ranch seasoning mix. Stir until combined and let bubble gently for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken back to the skillet, spoon the sauce on top, cover partially, and heat through for about 10 minutes.
- Optional: Serve with baked potatoes, spooning sauce over each.
How to Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken
Creamy Ranch Chicken is best served hot right from the skillet. Pair it with baked potatoes, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables. The creamy sauce can be spooned generously over your choice of sides for added flavor.
How to Store Creamy Ranch Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Ranch Chicken
- For extra flavor, consider brining your chicken breasts in a saltwater solution for a few hours before cooking.
- Make sure the chicken breasts are similarly sized for even cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding the chicken.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach into the sauce. This adds nutrition and enhances the flavor profile. You could also use different seasoning mixes if you’d like to experiment with flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs can be a great substitute for chicken breasts. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade version by mixing chicken broth with a little bit of flour or cornstarch for thickening until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I freeze Creamy Ranch Chicken?
Yes, this dish can be frozen. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.