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Cozy, family-approved dinner
This Creamy Ranch Chicken is pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, ranch-seasoned sauce. It’s quick enough for weeknights and comforting enough for Sunday family dinners. Pair with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (about 3 tbsp)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Method
- Sear chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Season lightly with salt & pepper. Heat oil in skillet, sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, whisk broth, ranch seasoning, and cream. Simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in cheddar if using.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, simmer 2 minutes.
- Serve: Sprinkle with parsley. Best with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted green beans.
🌟 Pro Tips
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for quicker, even cooking.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash more broth. Too thin? Simmer 2 extra minutes.
- For oven-baked version: After searing, bake in a 375°F oven for 15 minutes with sauce.
💡 Serving Ideas
- Over buttered egg noodles with a side salad.
- With roasted potatoes & broccoli for a complete tray dinner.
- Spoon leftover sauce over rice the next day — delicious meal prep hack!
❓ FAQ (Pinterest-Friendly)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes — boneless thighs work great, just cook 2–3 minutes longer.
Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream + dairy-free ranch seasoning. Flavor will be slightly different but tasty.
Q3: How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm on stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen sauce.
