Name: Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each); Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon flour; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional); 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 (1 oz.) packet ranch seasoning mix

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken smothered in a rich, herb-packed ranch sauce—it's one of those recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite. Let me walk you through making this effortlessly delicious dish!

Creamy Ranch Chicken - The image shows several pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken with a creamy light beige sauce covering and surrounding them. The chicken pieces have a smooth but slightly textured surface with visible seasoning of black pepper and small green herb bits sprinkled on top. Some chicken slices are whole and thick, while others are sliced into strips on the lower right side. The sauce looks thick and creamy with bits of herbs mixed in, pooling around the chicken in a shallow white pan. The whole scene sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe is one of those dinners I crave when I want something easy yet impressive. The sauce is luscious and tangy with just the right hit of herbs, while the chicken stays juicy with a golden crust. It’s the kind of recipe that feels homemade but could easily impress guests.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry and fridge.
One Pan Wonder: From searing to simmering right in the same skillet for minimal mess.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: Made with sour cream and ranch seasoning for that familiar zesty flavor everyone loves.
Flexible & Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite herbs or add-ins like crispy bacon bits.

Creamy Ranch Chicken - A white plate with a three-layer meal: the bottom layer is smooth white mashed potatoes spread across the plate, topped with sliced, browned chicken that has black and red seasoning specks, all covered in a creamy, light brown gravy with visible herbs. On the right side, a neat pile of shiny, cooked green beans with a slight gloss and little bits of seasoning sits beside the chicken and potatoes. A silver fork rests on the left side of the plate, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this creamy ranch chicken comes from balancing simple staples with punchy seasoning. Each ingredient has its purpose—whether it’s building flavor or ensuring the right texture.

Creamy Ranch Chicken - Flat lay of four fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts with smooth pinkish-white flesh, a small bunch of bright green fresh parsley with delicate leaves, a golden pat of creamy butter with a soft texture, a small pile of fine white flour, a glass of creamy white sour cream with a glossy surface, a cup filled with clear, light amber chicken broth, a small bowl of rich white milk, and scattered pale beige dried Italian herbs and ranch seasoning powder with a slightly granular texture, all beautifully arranged in a natural, balanced composition, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and remain juicy.
Butter and olive oil: Butter adds richness while olive oil raises the smoke point for a perfect golden sear.
Flour: A small amount helps thicken the sauce into that silky, clingy texture.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth without overwhelming the sauce.
Milk and sour cream: The dairy duo creates creaminess and a slight tang that’s totally irresistible.
Onion powder, garlic powder & Italian seasoning: Classic herbs and spices that create the perfect savory base.
Ranch seasoning mix: This is the game changer—it infuses the sauce with that signature ranch flavor you know and love.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish. Totally optional but highly recommended.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe for different moods and occasions. You can easily make it heartier, lighter, or add your personal favorite ingredients to keep it exciting every time you make it.

Variation: Adding cooked, crumbled bacon inside the sauce amps up smoky, savory flavors—one of my go-to upgrades that gets everyone asking for seconds.
For lighter eats: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to keep the tang but cut calories and add extra protein.
Spicy twist: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to give the sauce a subtle heat kick without overpowering the creamy base.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Perfectly

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to about 1-inch thickness—this really helps them cook evenly without drying out. I use a meat mallet or even the bottom of a heavy saucepan. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning sets the stage for all the other layers of flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the chicken and let it sizzle undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t rush this part; the crust locks in juices and adds awesome texture. Then, remove the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it around for about a minute to cook off the raw taste. Pour in the chicken broth slowly while scraping those delicious browned bits from the pan bottom—this adds serious flavor. Then whisk in milk, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

Return the chicken and any plate juices back into the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything simmer gently for a few minutes so the chicken heats through and the sauce thickens slightly. Keep the heat low to prevent the sour cream from curdling. Once ready, your kitchen will be filled with that irresistible ranch aroma!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Serve your creamy ranch chicken hot, sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley to brighten it up. It’s the perfect final touch that adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe and help it come together effortlessly every time.

Even Thickness: Pounding chicken breasts evenly is a game-changer for juicy texture and speedy cooking. Don’t skip this step!
Sear Without Fuss: Use a mix of butter and olive oil to prevent burning and get that gorgeous golden crust without smoke alarms going off.
Low and Slow for Sauce: Once you add dairy ingredients, keep heat low to avoid curdling—stir gently and be patient.
Don’t Rush Resting: Let the chicken rest a few minutes in the sauce off the heat to soak up flavors and stay tender.

How to Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Creamy Ranch Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is my go-to garnish because it adds a lovely burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Sometimes, I top the chicken with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and smoky flavor—totally delicious.

Side Dishes

This creamy ranch chicken loves company! I often serve it with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce. For veggies, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans add just the right pop of color and texture. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, a crisp garden salad works beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve layered this chicken over fluffy rice in a pretty shallow dish and sprinkled extra parsley and grated Parmesan on top. It’s also fun to plate it with a lemon wedge on the side for guests who want a bright citrus twist. Presentation doesn’t have to be complicated when the flavors shine so well on their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken stays moist and the sauce thickens up nicely—just give it a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. I portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and label them. When thawed in the fridge overnight, it reheats beautifully—just be sure to warm gently to protect the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up, and you’ll have that fresh-from-the-stove creaminess back.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I substitute for ranch seasoning mix?

If you don’t have ranch mix on hand, you can make your own by combining dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. This DIY blend works nicely and keeps the sauce flavorful.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or keto-friendly?

For a dairy-free version, swap the milk and sour cream with coconut milk and dairy-free sour cream alternatives. To keep it keto-friendly, use full-fat sour cream and heavy cream instead of milk and skip the flour (use xanthan gum as a thickener). The ranch seasoning still packs a punch!

How long does it take to make this Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 40 minutes. That includes searing the chicken, making the sauce, and simmering everything together. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special without a ton of fuss.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliably delicious and easy to make. I love how the simple ingredients come together to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that makes any meal feel a little more special. I really hope you give it a try—cooking this for friends or family will have everyone asking you to make it again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your new go-to weeknight favorite!