Creamy Ranch Chicken
Creamy Ranch Chicken is an easy, comforting dinner made with juicy chicken simmered in a rich, savory ranch-flavored cream sauce. This one-pan recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a cozy, family-friendly meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 1½ –2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed
- 8 oz cream cheese cubed
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- Seasonings & Flavor Base
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper to taste
- Pantry Staples
- 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt to taste (adjust at the end)
- Fresh parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with black pepper.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
- Whisk in ranch seasoning, garlic, and onion powder.
- Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce is creamy.
- Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Keep heat low once cream cheese is added to prevent separation.
- Ranch seasoning contains salt, so season carefully at the beginning.
- Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work just as well.