Advertisement
Embark on a culinary journey with Creamy Ranch Chicken, a simple yet delightful skillet recipe. This dish marries juicy chicken with a rich, tangy ranch sauce for an ultimate comfort food experience. Ideal for a homey dinner, it pairs wonderfully with warm baked potatoes and your choice of vegetables, delivering a fulfilling and robust meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (alternative: vegetable or canola oil)
For the Sauce:
- 10.5 oz. can 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 (approx. 3 tablespoons)
Directions
Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Thinly slice the chicken breasts into 2-3 pieces each, aiming for about ½ inch thickness. Pound slightly with a meat tenderizer if necessary.
- Season each piece with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then brush one side with melted butter.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Place the chicken, buttered side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: 4. Remove any excess oil from the skillet if needed. Lower the heat to medium and mix in the sauce ingredients: cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and Ranch seasoning. Stir until smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently and thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Partially cover and let simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce flavors.
Advertisement
FAQs
Q: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein? A: Yes, this recipe works well with alternatives like beef chops or turkey slices.
Q: What if I can’t find cream of chicken soup? A: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes that maintain a creamy consistency.
Q: Is there a lower-fat version of this recipe? A: To reduce fat content, use low-fat milk, reduced-fat sour cream, and low-sodium cream of chicken soup.
Q: Can this dish be prepared in advance? A: Absolutely. Assemble the dish ahead, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix. Also, double-check all your ingredients for hidden gluten sources.
Q: What are some other side dish recommendations for this meal? A: Creamy Ranch Chicken goes well with a variety of sides. Aside from baked potatoes, consider serving it with steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, or a fresh garden salad. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles would pair nicely.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning? A: Absolutely! Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor beautifully. Try using chopped parsley, thyme, or basil. If using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker? A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of water and stir this slurry into the sauce before adding the chicken back to the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few additional minutes to thicken.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it should be fully thawed before you begin cooking. Pat the chicken dry after thawing to remove excess moisture. This ensures proper searing and helps the seasoning stick better.
Q: What can I do if the dish turns out too salty? A: If the dish is too salty, you can dilute the saltiness by adding more sour cream or a splash of milk. Alternatively, serving the chicken with a starchy side like mashed potatoes or rice can help balance the flavors.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker? A: Yes, Creamy Ranch Chicken can be adapted for a slow cooker. Place the seasoned and seared chicken in the slow cooker, mix the sauce ingredients separately, then pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Conclusion
Creamy Ranch Chicken encapsulates the essence of comfort dining with its creamy texture and savory flavors. It’s an ideal choice for enhancing your weeknight meals or for a comforting family dinner. Serve alongside baked potatoes and fresh veggies for a complete and hearty meal. Relish in the creamy delights of this dish and let it become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire!
Advertisement