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+ servings
Bertha Jones

Quick Ranch Chicken

This quick ranch chicken is a pan-seared delight, coated in a tangy ranch sauce that keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1¼ lb total) Pound to even thickness if very thick.
  • 1 cup ranch dressing Use your favorite brand or homemade ranch.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Can substitute avocado oil for higher smoke point.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • Cooking spray (optional) Helps prevent sticking if desired.
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional) Parsley, chives, or dill brighten the dish.

Method
 

Preparation and Searing
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Pound uneven breasts to ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
  3. Place chicken in the skillet and sear without moving until a golden crust forms, about 6–7 minutes.
  4. Flip chicken and cook the other side for another 6–7 minutes, or until the internal temp reads 160–162°F.
  5. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
Making the Sauce
  1. Let the skillet cool to low heat. Reduce heat to low and add 1 cup ranch dressing to the same skillet, stirring to loosen and incorporate browned bits.
  2. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes until warmed and slightly thickened.
Finishing the Chicken
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the ranch sauce over each piece, and cook for 2–3 more minutes until heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Remove from heat, let chicken rest for 3–5 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 650mgSugar: 2g

Notes

Optional: For extra creaminess, blend Greek yogurt or sour cream into the ranch. Use light ranch for lower fat but expect a thinner sauce. For a crunchier crust, dredge breasts lightly in seasoned flour before searing.

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