Description
Ranch chicken becomes a comforting midweek meal that satisfies hungry families. Succulent chicken breasts nestle in a rich, tangy sauce that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper evenly over chicken pieces to ensure complete flavor coverage.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature until melted and slightly bubbling, carefully place chicken into the pan and cook until golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to a separate plate, leaving the browned bits in the skillet for enhanced flavor development.
- Pour chicken broth into the same skillet, then add cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform in texture.
- Gently return chicken to the creamy sauce, reducing heat to low and covering the skillet to allow gentle simmering for 15-20 minutes.
- Verify chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F and sauce has thickened to a luxurious consistency.
- Delicately sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Boost the ranch flavor by making your own seasoning mix with dried herbs like dill, chives, and garlic powder for a more intense taste profile.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Lower the fat content by substituting cream cheese with Greek yogurt and using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Transform this dish into a meal prep option by storing cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg