There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan chicken dinner that’s creamy, flavorful, and ready in no time.

This creamy ranch chicken skillet has become one of my absolute favorites for busy weeknights when I still want something hearty and homemade.

The ranch-flavored sauce is smooth and rich, made with a cozy blend of milk, sour cream, chicken broth, and seasoning.

It’s the perfect comfort food without being overly heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes

Creamy ranch sauce that’s both tangy and savory

One-pan meal with minimal cleanup

Versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or veggies

Family-friendly and always a hit at the dinner table

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, pounded to even thickness for quick and even cooking

Butter + olive oil: For searing and building the sauce base

Ranch seasoning mix: Adds that signature tangy-savory flavor

Sour cream: Brings creaminess with a hint of tang

Milk + chicken broth: The liquid base that balances richness with lightness

Herbs and spices: Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder for depth

Pro Tips Before You Start

Pound your chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly without drying out.

Don’t skip deglazing the pan – those browned bits add major flavor!

Use full-fat sour cream and whole milk for a richer sauce.

Let the sauce simmer after adding the chicken so everything melds beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness.

Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil.

Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on each side.

Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Roux

Reduce the heat to low.

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.

Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits.

Stir in the milk, sour cream, and all seasonings including the Ranch mix.

Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Return Chicken & Simmer

Place the chicken and any juices back into the skillet.

Spoon sauce over the chicken and let simmer for 5–8 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

What to Serve It With

Mashed potatoes

Buttered egg noodles

Steamed rice

Roasted vegetables

Garlic bread

Variations / Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier option

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version

Add sauteed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies

Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne pepper

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or milk

Not freezer-friendly due to the dairy-based sauce

FAQs

Can I make this with chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless thighs work great and are extra juicy!

What if I don’t have Ranch seasoning mix?
You can make your own with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, parsley, and salt.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, or even broccoli would pair well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce.

Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, but whole milk gives a creamier result.

Does this work well for meal prep?
Yes! Portion it with rice or noodles and store in containers for the week.

Final Thoughts

This creamy ranch chicken skillet is a lifesaver when you want something comforting, delicious, and fuss-free.

The sauce alone is worth making a double batch for dipping bread or spooning over pasta.

Once you try it, it might just become a regular on your dinner rotation too.