Creamy Ranch Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Creamy Ranch Chicken because it’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and comforting. The chicken is perfectly seared to golden perfection, and the creamy ranch sauce takes the flavor to another level. It’s so simple to make, but the sauce is rich and flavorful, making each bite feel indulgent. The one-pan aspect of the recipe is also a huge win, reducing cleanup while still delivering a delicious, hearty meal. Whether I’m serving it for a family dinner or making it for a cozy night in, it’s always a hit!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup milk

• ¾ cup sour cream (room temperature)

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (use seasoning, not dip mix)

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Optional:

• Bacon pieces

• Shredded cheddar cheese (for extra richness)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Slice each chicken breast into 2–3 thinner cutlets (about ½″ thick).

2. Season both sides of the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush one side with melted butter.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken, buttered side down first, for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. Wipe out any burnt bits in the skillet, then add the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, onion powder, and parsley. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle bubble, and simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and partially cover. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.

6. Optional: Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon pieces. Broil briefly until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

This dish is easy to adjust to your preferences! If you want to make it spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and a lower-sodium cream of chicken soup. If you want more vegetables in the dish, you can add spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli into the sauce. And if you’re a fan of extra cheese, feel free to use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a creamier, more flavorful sauce.

Storage/Reheating

This Creamy Ranch Chicken makes excellent leftovers! Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This also works wonderfully served with mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts! Thighs are a bit more tender and juicy, and they’ll work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe without ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and a bit of salt. Alternatively, you could use any other savory seasoning blend that you enjoy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just sear the chicken in advance and then finish the recipe when you’re ready. The sauce can be made ahead too and reheated when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different soup for the sauce?

While cream of chicken soup works great for the creamy base, you can experiment with other soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it will slightly alter the taste of the sauce.

What should I serve with this dish?

This dish is already quite rich, so I love pairing it with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. A light salad with a zesty dressing can also help balance out the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ranch Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor—everything you need for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The tender chicken smothered in creamy ranch sauce is perfect over rice, potatoes, or pasta, and the optional bacon and cheese make it even more indulgent. With just one pan and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect meal to make when you want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.