There’s something so magical about a dish that feels like home with every bite, and this Creamy Ranch Chicken is exactly that. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken is enveloped in a velvety sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that comes together in no time but tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s packed with flavor, versatile enough for weeknights or special occasions, and as comforting as your favorite blanket on a cold day, you’ve found it. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ranch Chicken

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: The ranch seasoning infuses the sauce with irresistible tanginess and bold herb notes.
Customizable: Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to spoon it over everything.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love this dish. It’s creamy, savory, and satisfying.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare parts of the recipe in advance, so dinner is a breeze when you’re ready to eat.

This recipe is also incredibly forgiving. Don’t have sour cream? Swap it for plain Greek yogurt. Want to add veggies? Toss in some mushrooms or spinach while the sauce simmers. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 450 | Protein: 30g | Fat: 28g | Carbohydrates: 10g

Ingredients for Creamy Ranch Chicken

Chicken

2 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil (or substitute vegetable or canola oil)

Sauce

10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 oz. packet Ranch seasoning mix (approximately 3 tablespoons)

Ingredient Notes

Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds depth to the chicken.
Ranch seasoning: The star of the sauce! This mix is what gives the dish its signature flavor.
Sour cream: Make sure it’s at room temperature to prevent curdling in the sauce.
Butter: Brushing the chicken with melted butter ensures it stays moist and adds richness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner pieces. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor. If needed, use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken slices to an even thickness of about ½ inch.
Sprinkle both sides of each piece with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Melt the butter and brush one side of each chicken slice with it. Be careful not to use overly hot butter, as it can start to cook the chicken prematurely.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces, buttered side down. Be sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking.
Sauté the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent burning. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust to form—this adds flavor and locks in moisture.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Pro Tip: If the chicken feels stuck to the pan, don’t force it. Once the crust is properly formed, the chicken will release on its own.

3. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

In the same skillet, remove any excess oil while leaving behind those flavorful browned bits from the chicken. This is where the magic happens!
Over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until smooth.
Allow the sauce to bubble gently for about 5 minutes. This reduces the sauce slightly and enhances the flavors.

Pro Tip: Use a whisk to ensure the sauce is silky smooth.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the seared chicken back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over each piece to coat them evenly.
Partially cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up all those creamy, ranch-infused flavors.

How to Serve

This Creamy Ranch Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes.
Rice: Spoon the chicken and sauce over steamed white or brown rice for a hearty dinner.
Pasta: Serve the chicken over fettuccine or egg noodles for a pasta night twist.
Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus adds a pop of color and freshness.

And don’t forget the baked potato option mentioned in the recipe—drizzle some of that luscious sauce over a baked potato, and you’re in for a treat!

Tips for Success

Use Evenly Sliced Chicken: Cutting the chicken into uniform slices ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
Don’t Skip the Sear: A golden-brown crust not only adds flavor but also seals in the juices, keeping the chicken tender.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Sour cream and milk should be at room temperature to prevent the sauce from curdling.
Control the Heat: Adjust the stove’s heat as needed to prevent burning, especially when searing the chicken or simmering the sauce.
Deglaze the Pan: Those browned bits left in the skillet after cooking the chicken are packed with flavor. Use the sauce ingredients to scrape them up and incorporate them into the dish.

Recipe Variations

Add Vegetables

Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale when adding the sauce. They’ll wilt beautifully into the creamy mixture.
Sauté mushrooms or zucchini alongside the chicken for an extra boost of flavor.

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.

Swap the Protein

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Try turkey cutlets or even pork chops for a change of pace.

Gluten-Free Option

Swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version, and ensure your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free as well.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing

Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through.

FAQ

1. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of the seasoning mix?
Yes, but the flavor profile will be slightly different. Reduce the milk slightly if using ranch dressing.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and heat before serving.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just use a larger skillet to ensure everything cooks evenly.

4. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick substitute by combining 1 cup of chicken broth with 2 tablespoons of flour and ½ cup of milk, then cooking until thickened.

Conclusion

There you have it—a foolproof recipe for Creamy Ranch Chicken that’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers on all fronts: flavor, comfort, and simplicity.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! Don’t forget to share your creations—snap a picture and tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see how your Creamy Ranch Chicken turns out!

Creamy Ranch Chicken: A Comfort Food Favorite

Author: TAYLOR HARRISON
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Ranch Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful ranch sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight meals. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp butter, melted
2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce:

10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
1 ½ cups milk
1 cup sour cream (room temp)
½ tsp onion powder
1 oz packet Ranch seasoning mix (about 3 tbsp)

Instructions

Slice chicken breasts into thinner pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush with melted butter.
Sear the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides. Set aside.
In the same pan, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and Ranch seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
Add chicken back to the pan, spoon sauce over it, and cook for 10 minutes.
Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or rice

Notes

Use room-temperature sour cream to avoid curdling.
Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American