Description
This Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful ranch cream sauce. The sauce combines cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and ranch seasoning to create a smooth, comforting dish perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Garnished with fresh parsley, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 packet (0.5 oz) ranch seasoning mix, divided
Sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 packet (0.5 oz) ranch seasoning mix, remaining half
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat and season chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with half of the ranch seasoning mix evenly on both sides.
- Sear chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare sauce base: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth next, stirring continuously to combine and melt the cream cheese fully.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and the remaining half of the ranch seasoning until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, then cover the skillet. Let simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened nicely.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- This creamy ranch chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a hearty meal.
- For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese in the sauce to reduce fat content.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
