Get ready for a dish that’s just as cozy as it is crave-worthy! Creamy Ranch Chicken is a mouthwatering main course packed with juicy chicken bathed in a tangy, velvety sauce, topped with gooey cheddar and crisp bacon—all finished off with a shower of fresh parsley. It comes together in one skillet and has that magic ability to both comfort and impress, making it perfect for family dinners or when you want your table to feel a little extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Ranch Chicken is its simplicity: every ingredient has a big job to do, coming together to create that signature decadent, herby flavor and luscious texture. Here’s how each element makes the dish shine.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, perfect for soaking up the creamy ranch sauce and staying tender in the oven.
- Olive oil: Delivers a golden sear on the chicken, adding a subtle fruity note.
- Ranch seasoning mix: The all-star flavor component that brings tang, herbs, and irresistible savoriness.
- Garlic powder: Layers in mellow, warming depth that balances the herby notes of the ranch.
- Onion powder: Boosts overall savoriness and rounds out the seasoning profile.
- Black pepper: Adds a tiny kick and enhances all the other seasonings.
- Cream cheese: The secret to that silky, creamy sauce—make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Chicken broth: Thins the sauce just enough and infuses every bite with chicken-y richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts gloriously for a blanket of cheesy goodness over the chicken.
- Chopped cooked bacon (optional): For smoky crunch and next-level flavor, or skip it for a lighter touch.
- Fresh parsley: Brings color and a burst of freshness as a finishing flourish.
How to Make Creamy Ranch Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab an oven-safe skillet—this will save you dishwashing time, keeping everything deliciously one-pan. Set out your cream cheese to soften; it makes blending a breeze later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them generously with ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high, and when it shimmers, add the chicken. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until beautifully golden, but don’t worry about cooking them through yet—they’ll finish in the oven.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken sizzles, whisk the softened cream cheese and chicken broth together in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. This mixture is what will infuse your Creamy Ranch Chicken with its addictive, rich texture.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken right in the skillet, making sure every piece is coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top (the more, the merrier!), then transfer the entire skillet into your preheated oven.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Let the chicken bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling away and the chicken breasts are cooked through (juices should run clear and the internal temp hits 165°F). This is when your kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Pull the skillet from the oven and immediately scatter the bacon (if using) and chopped parsley over the top. The bacon adds savory crunch, while parsley wakes up each bite with a pop of fresh green.
How to Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken
Garnishes
This dish looks and tastes extra inviting with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and, for those who love a little decadence, plenty of crispy bacon crumbles. You can also add a pinch of extra shredded cheddar for a bonus cheesy flair right before serving.
Side Dishes
Creamy Ranch Chicken sings over a pillowy bed of mashed potatoes, but it’s just as stellar atop rice, buttered noodles, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist. Round out the meal with steamed veggies or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner-party wow factor, try slicing the chicken and arranging it over a family-style platter with sauce drizzled on top and garnishes scattered artfully. Or, tuck each breast into a toasted ciabatta roll with a scoop of sauce for the ultimate sandwich upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Creamy Ranch Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the sauce naturally thickens as it cools, a quick stir before reheating helps restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but for best results, do so without the fresh parsley garnish. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat Creamy Ranch Chicken in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring the sauce occasionally to prevent separation. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep things silky-smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and tend to stay extra juicy, though you may need to adjust the baking time by a few minutes depending on their size.
Is there a way to lighten up Creamy Ranch Chicken?
For a lighter version, opt for low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, and even skip the bacon. The sauce will still be creamy and packed with flavor, just a bit kinder to your waistline.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! After searing the seasoned chicken, place it in your slow cooker, top with the cream cheese mixture and cheddar, and cook on low for about 4 hours or until the chicken is tender.
What type Main Course
A standard 1-ounce store-bought packet works great, but you can also use your favorite homemade blend if you love customizing the herby flavor profile.
How can I tell when the chicken is done?
Check with an instant-read thermometer—the chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be bubbling and the cheese fully melted.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but fits perfectly in your home kitchen, Creamy Ranch Chicken is the recipe to try next. Gather those simple ingredients and treat yourself to a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite!
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Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Ranch Chicken is a delicious one-pan chicken dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy family meal. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with ranch seasoning mix, cooked in a creamy sauce with cream cheese, and topped with cheddar cheese for a flavorful dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sear the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Finish and serve: Remove from oven and top with chopped bacon and parsley before serving.
Notes
Notes:
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and skip the bacon.
- This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
