If you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this creamy ranch dressing chicken recipe is the perfect choice. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, velvety ranch sauce that combines herbs, garlic, and creamy goodness to create a dish that’s downright irresistible.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Let’s dive into this creamy, savory delight that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ready to learn how to turn ordinary chicken into a scrumptious meal? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, the creamy ranch dressing base elevates simple chicken breasts to new heights of flavor, offering a tangy, herby, and luscious coating that’s incredibly satisfying.
Secondly, it’s a one-pan dish, meaning fewer dishes to clean and less hassle overall. The chicken cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those aromatic flavors while staying juicy and tender.
Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily customize the herbs, add veggies to the pan, or switch up the type of chicken cuts to suit your preferences.
It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan with a lid
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of onion powder.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Mix the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, sour cream, minced garlic, dried dill, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until smooth.
- Simmer with sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the ranch mixture over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover and cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Add cheese: Remove the lid, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken breasts, and cover the skillet again. Let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
For extra flavor, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the skillet before adding the ranch sauce.
Using bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts adds a richer taste and even juicier texture. Just increase the simmering time by about 10 minutes.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess without extra fat.
Make your own ranch dressing at home using buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs for a fresher taste.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Protein | 38g |
Fat | 18g |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Fiber | 0.5g |
Sodium | 600mg |
Serving Suggestions
This creamy ranch chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus.
If you prefer something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic rice make excellent companions to soak up the delicious ranch sauce.
For a fresh and crunchy contrast, pair with a crisp garden salad or coleslaw.
Conclusion
This creamy ranch dressing chicken recipe is a fantastic way to bring comfort and flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. The tender chicken bathed in a rich, herby sauce is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress family or guests alike.
Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weeknights, yet its deliciousness elevates it beyond an ordinary meal.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the herbs and sides to make this dish your own signature recipe. If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out other tasty recipes like Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide, Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy, and Baked Chicken and Veggies Recipe Copper Pan Delight for more inspiration.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Creamy Ranch Dressing Chicken
Description: A flavorful and juicy chicken dish coated in creamy ranch dressing and baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread ranch dressing evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 3 g
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