There’s nothing quite as comforting as a creamy, flavorful chicken dish, and Creamy Ranch Chicken is the perfect example of indulgent, home-cooked goodness.

This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a velvety ranch-seasoned sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare yet fancy enough to impress guests at a dinner party.

Why Choose Creamy Ranch Chicken?

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples like ranch seasoning, cream, and chicken, making it budget-friendly and easy to prepare.

Rich and Flavorful: The creamy sauce is infused with ranch seasoning, which adds tangy, herby flavors that pair beautifully with the chicken.

Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required, as everything is cooked in a single skillet or Crockpot.

Customizable: You can add vegetables, swap the cream for a healthier option, or even use a different protein like pork chops or turkey.

Ingredients

For this creamy ranch chicken, you’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness).
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added depth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the chicken simmer for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until it is fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For a richer flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and stir until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Variations:

Crockpot Creamy Ranch Chicken: Want to set it and forget it? Place the chicken, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, and cream in a Crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The result is tender, fall-apart chicken with a luscious sauce.

Creamy Ranch Chicken with Vegetables: Boost the nutrition of this dish by adding vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or baby spinach. Simply stir them into the sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken: For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella on top of the chicken and broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Low-Carb Option: Swap the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream for a lower-calorie option. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make it keto-friendly.

How to Serve

Creamy ranch chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving:

Over Mashed Potatoes: The rich sauce complements fluffy mashed potatoes, soaking up all the flavors.
With Rice: Steamed white rice or wild rice is a simple yet satisfying pairing.

On Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta for a comforting, creamy dish.
With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp garden salad for a lighter meal.

Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip deglazing the skillet with chicken broth—it adds incredible depth to the sauce.
Adjust the Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.