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Creamy Ranch Chicken

This Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe is a comforting and savory weeknight dinner that is quick to prepare in a single skillet. The dish features tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, tangy sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning. It's a simple, low-carb, and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 820
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ounce packet of dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Whisk

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown but not cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue whisking until the cream cheese is mostly smooth.
  5. Whisk in the heavy cream, the entire packet of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken.
  8. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.

Notes

For the best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid a lumpy sauce. Patting the chicken dry before searing is crucial for a flavorful golden-brown crust. For an extra smooth and creamy sauce, grate your own cheddar cheese, as pre-shredded varieties can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.