Name: Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless/skinless chicken breasts; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 10.5 oz. 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

There’s something incredibly comforting about a good creamy chicken dish, and this Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe hits all the right notes. The mellow ranch flavor combined with a luscious sauce makes it a meal I find myself craving on busy weeknights or when I want to spoil myself a little.

A close-up view of a white pot filled with four browned chicken pieces mostly covered by thick creamy white sauce with small green herb bits sprinkled on top. A large silver spoon is partially dipped in the sauce near the top right, ready to scoop, and a folded white cloth peeks out from under the pot on the left side. The chicken pieces show golden brown sear marks and are nestled in the smooth sauce that fills the pot with some small pools of oil shining on its surface. 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 Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this creamy ranch chicken skillet more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. The ease of preparation and that rich sauce that clings to tender chicken makes it a go-to for comfort food that feels just a little special.

Quick and simple: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Rich, creamy sauce: The ranch seasoning brings a familiar but elevated flavor to the creamy sauce that’s downright addictive.
Versatile: It works great with chicken breasts, but you can also swap in pork chops or add veggies for variety.
Family-friendly: The flavors are mild enough for kids yet satisfying for adults, making it a winner at any table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a role in building flavor and texture — from the seasoned chicken to the rich, tangy sauce. I always prefer simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch, and this combo nails comfort food vibes without fuss.

Flat lay of two large boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs, a small white bowl of melted butter, a small white bowl of olive oil, a small white bowl of cream of chicken soup, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of sour cream, a small white bowl of ranch seasoning mix powder, a small white bowl of onion powder, two whole uncracked brown eggs placed on a simple white ceramic plate, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Slicing and pounding thin helps them cook evenly and stay juicy in the creamy sauce.
Italian seasoning: Adds a herby background note that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly.
Butter and olive oil: Give the chicken a beautiful sear and add richness to the pan sauce later.
Cream of chicken soup: This is the base that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without needing a dozen extra ingredients.
Milk and sour cream: Balance the thickness and tang, making the sauce silky and luscious.
Onion powder: A subtle savory boost that deepens the sauce flavor.
Ranch seasoning mix: The star of the show—adding that recognizable zesty ranch flavor without tasting like bottled dressing.

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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 like to keep this recipe classic but love tweaking it depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. The ranch chicken skillet is really forgiving, so feel free to make it your own!

Add veggies: I often stir in some frozen peas or spinach when making the sauce — it’s an easy way to sneak in extra greens.
Spicy twist: If you like a little heat, I like throwing a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the sauce for a subtle kick.
Cheesy upgrade: Sometimes I sprinkle sharp cheddar or Parmesan on top before serving to add another layer of rich flavor.
Protein swaps: I’ve switched out chicken for pork chops or even turkey cutlets, and the sauce never lets me down.

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

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a meal with three main parts. On the left, there are two pieces of golden-browned chicken covered in a creamy beige sauce with small green herb bits on top. To the right of the chicken, there is a baked potato with a slightly rough tan skin, split open and filled with white mashed potatoes topped with light brown gravy. Above the chicken and potato, fresh green beans with a smooth, shiny texture are placed neatly. The whole dish looks creamy with a mix of warm light colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thinner pieces, about half an inch thick. If needed, I like to gently pound them — it really helps them cook fully and stay tender. Pat them dry thoroughly—this step is key for that beautiful sear. Then, sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush one side with melted butter, but make sure the butter’s cooled a bit so you don’t start cooking the chicken prematurely!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, sear each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side until you get that gorgeous golden-brown crust. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside for the sauce stage.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Ranch Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t rinse it — all those brown bits add flavor), combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, onion powder, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir everything together over medium heat until it bubbles gently. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and develop that rich, savory flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Spoon some sauce on top to cover the chicken. Partially cover the skillet with a lid or foil and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the sauce flavors and finish cooking perfectly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

I love spooning extra sauce over my chicken right from the pan. This dish is fantastic with simple sides that soak up the sauce — baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even rice all work brilliantly.

Top Tip

Having made this Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help get the best results and keep things fuss-free.

Don’t skip drying the chicken: Wet chicken won’t sear properly. Pat it fully dry to get that golden crust.
Use the right ranch mix: Be sure you grab Ranch seasoning mix, not dip mix—trust me, they’re NOT interchangeable.
Simmer gently: Keep the sauce on a gentle bubble to prevent curdling and to let those flavors meld beautifully.
Adjust seasoning last: Taste the sauce before serving; sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper really brightens everything up.

How to Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Ranch Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top — the pop of green adds freshness and color. Sometimes, crispy crumbled bacon makes an appearance for added crunch and smoky flavor.

Side Dishes

My favorite companions for this skillet are baked potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that sauce. For something lighter, a simple green salad or roasted broccoli pairs wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken over a bed of buttery garlic mashed potatoes, drizzled with sauce and topped with fresh herbs and maybe a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. It feels decadent but still cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool completely before popping them in an airtight container. Stored this way, they keep safely in the fridge for up to 3 days — perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I like freezing portions with a side like baked potato or steamed veggies, so I have ready-made meals for busy days. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the chicken from drying out, I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring the sauce occasionally. Microwave works too, but do it in short bursts and stir in between to keep things creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use Ranch dip mix instead of Ranch seasoning mix in this recipe?

It’s best to use Ranch seasoning mix, not dip mix. Ranch seasoning mix is designed to dissolve and flavor sauces and dishes, while dip mix often includes thickeners and doesn’t give the same bright, zesty result.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try substituting the sour cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ. Using dairy-free cream of chicken soup might be tricky, so homemade alternatives might be better for best results.

What’s the best way to avoid dry chicken in this recipe?

Make sure to thinly slice and pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Don’t overcook during searing — you want a nice golden crust but the chicken should finish cooking gently in the sauce to retain juiciness.

Can I add vegetables to the Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet?

Absolutely! Frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms can be added to the sauce. Add them when you combine the sauce ingredients so they have time to cook through before adding the chicken back to the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire; it’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug on a plate without any complicated steps. Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, you’ll find it comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly versatile. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—it just might become your new favorite too!