There’s something about the aroma of creamy ranch chicken wafting through the house that feels like a warm hug on a brisk evening—like that time my neighbor brought over a casserole just because. This dish, with its rich, savory sauce and tender chicken, is the culinary equivalent of a snug blanket and your favorite TV show. And hey, since it’s fall, maybe enjoy it with a pumpkin spice latte on the side.
Steps
- Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner pieces, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Season the slices with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush one side with melted butter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the buttered side of the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side until they achieve a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the ingredients for the sauce over medium heat. Stir until the mixture is well combined and allow it to gently bubble for about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top of each piece. Partially cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Serve the creamy ranch chicken with mashed or baked potatoes and vegetables, spooning extra sauce over the potatoes for added flavor. Optional: Garnish with crispy bacon bits before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Ranch seasoning mix (quantity as needed for flavor)
- Optional: Baked potatoes (for serving)
- Optional: Vegetables (for serving)
- Optional: Crispy crumbled bacon (for topping)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1876kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 120g | Fat: 124g | Saturated Fat: 56g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 40g | Trans Fat: 0.8g | Cholesterol: 552mg | Sodium: 5132mg | Potassium: 2720mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 3472IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 820mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I use Ranch dip mix instead of Ranch seasoning mix in this recipe?
- No, it’s important to use Ranch seasoning mix for this recipe, as it provides the right flavor profile. Ranch dip mix tastes different and serves a different purpose.
- Does the Ranch seasoning make the dish taste like bottled ranch dressing?
- Not at all. The Ranch seasoning adds a zesty and savory flavor to the sauce without making it taste like bottled ranch dressing.
- Can I add vegetables to the dish?
- Yes, frozen vegetables can be incorporated into the sauce. Add them together with the other sauce ingredients and allow enough time for them to heat through before adding the chicken.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked potatoes and vegetables for convenient reheating.
- Can I make this recipe with pork chops instead of chicken?
- Certainly! You can try using pork chops as an alternative protein. The recipe can be adapted similarly with great results.
Tips
- Ensure you use Ranch seasoning mix rather than Ranch dip mix, as they have different flavors and purposes. The seasoning mix will add a zesty, savory touch to the sauce without making it taste like bottled ranch dressing.
- To achieve a golden, crispy sear on the chicken, brush melted butter directly onto the chicken instead of letting it melt in the pan. This method helps the butter stay on the chicken and prevents it from burning.
- Enhance the dish by adding frozen vegetables to the sauce. Toss them in with the other sauce ingredients and allow them sufficient time to heat through before adding the chicken back to the skillet.
- Consider using 3-4 smaller chicken breasts instead of two large ones for more even cooking and tender results.
Equipment
- Skillet – A high-quality skillet that conducts heat well and is oven safe.
- Meat Tenderizer – Useful for pounding chicken to the desired thickness.
- Kitchen Tongs – For easily handling and flipping chicken pieces during cooking.
