Creamy Ranch Chicken
Creamy Ranch Chicken features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, zesty ranch-flavored cream sauce. This comforting dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile option for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs (Italian seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoons butter
For the Ranch Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix (about 3 tablespoons)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. Pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch for uniform cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with this mixture.
Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1.5 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the mixture is hot.
- Add the seasoned chicken cutlets to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Ranch Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and minced garlic; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously for another 30 seconds to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken stock while whisking to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the sour cream and ranch seasoning mix until fully incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy ranch sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of the chicken.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot alongside your choice of sides.