Description
Ranch chicken delivers a comforting meal packed with zesty flavors and simple ingredients. Home cooks can quickly prepare this crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken with tangy ranch seasoning for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
Dairy:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat, creating a golden surface for searing.
- Season chicken pieces thoroughly with salt and pepper, then cook until crisp and golden, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, ensuring complete internal doneness.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic and lightly golden, releasing its rich flavor profile.
- Introduce ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet, whisking smoothly to create a velvety sauce.
- Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to develop a rich, creamy consistency.
- Allow sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, reducing and thickening while developing deep, complex flavors.
- Gently return chicken to the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the luxurious ranch sauce.
- Let chicken rest in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and penetrate the meat.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and chicken retains its succulence.
Notes
- Adjust chicken thickness by pounding to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, healthier version.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize flavor intensity.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms directly into sauce for nutritional boost and variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg