Classic Creamy Ranch Chicken and Rice
Enjoy a comforting one-pan meal with tender chicken and fluffy rice coated in a rich, creamy ranch sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Paper towels
- Small bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup long-grain white rice e.g., Basmati or Jasmine
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup milk whole or 2%
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix 1 oz
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped (for garnish, optional)
- 0.5 cup frozen peas optional add-in
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Add dry rice to the same skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While the rice cooks, whisk together softened cream cheese, milk, and dry ranch seasoning in a small bowl until smooth; stir in grated Parmesan cheese if using.
- Once rice is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the creamy ranch sauce over the chicken and rice.
- Gently stir everything together until well combined and heated through; if using frozen peas, add them now and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then garnish with fresh chives if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, ensure the chicken is nicely browned before removing it from the skillet. Avoid lifting the lid frequently while the rice is simmering to ensure even cooking. This recipe is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like steamed broccoli or spinach during the final heating stage.