Description
Comfort meets convenience in this creamy ranch chicken recipe, where zesty seasoning and tender poultry create a mouthwatering meal. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a perfect weeknight solution you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Sauce Base:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a robust seasoning blend for the chicken breasts.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm.
- Lower skillet temperature and add cream cheese, gradually whisking in chicken broth to create a silky sauce.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix into the sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Carefully return chicken to the skillet, gently nestling each piece into the creamy ranch sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and allow chicken to simmer for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Optional: Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color and added freshness before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning by using homemade ranch mix to control sodium and customize flavor profile.
- Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat alternatives for lighter, healthier version.
- Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe, perfectly cooked protein.
- Try additional herbs like dill or chives to enhance ranch sauce complexity and freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg