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This ranch chicken recipe has tender pan-fried chicken smothered in an irresistible ranch gravy. It comes together fast and uses only a few everyday ingredients!

Try my Chicken Bacon Ranch Orzo or this Ranch Chicken Spaghetti next.

a plate with ranch chicken and gravy, green beans, and mashed potatoes

Why you’ll love it

Ranch seasoning is such a versatile ingredient to enhance so many different dishes. I’m not quite sure when I came up with the idea for this chicken with ranch sauce, but it’s definitely a keeper! It’s basically a quick gravy with a twist, and I love me some gravy.

This is a weeknight winner since it’s ready in a mere 30 minutes with just a few everyday ingredients, is super comforting, and it’s not too heavy on the calories either. Pair this flavorful chicken and gravy with some fluffy mashed potatoes, and I’m in heaven.

What you’ll need

  • Chicken breasts – we’re using two of them cut in half lengthwise to make 4 smaller cutlets so that dinner is on the table faster
  • Pepper and garlic powder – to season the cutlets directly for infusing flavor
  • Olive oil – for sautéing
  • Butter and flour – it makes a quick and easy roux to thicken the sauce
  • Chicken broth – I went for the low-sodium variety since the ranch seasoning already contains salt
  • Ranch seasoning – Hidden Valley is my go-to always!
  • Parsley – for a bright and fresh contrast
ingredients for ranch chicken in prep bowls

Pro tip

Ranch seasoning generally has a fair amount of salt, so if you’re on a low-sodium diet, you may want to skip this one. You could probably get away with using half the recommended amount of ranch seasoning if you still want to try it, though!

How to make ranch chicken

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

pan frying chicken in a skillet and making a roux

Cut the chicken to make 4 thinner cutlets. Season with the pepper and garlic powder. Pan sear the chicken in the olive oil and a third of the butter until golden, then transfer to a plate.

whisking in chicken broth and ranch seasoning in a skillet to make gravy

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the broth until the flour is incorporated, followed by the ranch seasoning.

ranch chicken in a skillet before and after cooking and adding parsley

Add the chicken back in, and continue cooking until it’s done to 165F internally. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Tools for this recipe

Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!

Substitutions and variations

  • You could definitely substitute chicken thighs if you prefer. They may take a little longer to cook, though, so make sure they’re done all the way through.
  • If Hidden Valley ranch seasoning isn’t available in your area, try making a Homemade Ranch Seasoning instead.
  • Craving pork? Try my Ranch Pork Chops or Ranch Pork Tenderloin instead.

What to serve with ranch chicken

Leftovers and storage

  • Leftovers of this chicken with gravy will last in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
  • Reheat over a low heat in a small saucepan, giving the gravy a stir occasionally, until everything is warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second increments.
  • Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
a skillet with ranch chicken and a serving spoon

If you made this chicken with a tasty ranch sauce, please leave a star rating and review below! Tag me on Instagram if you’ve made one of my recipes.

a plate with ranch chicken and gravy, green beans, and mashed potatoes
4.88 from 33 votes

Easy Ranch Chicken

This ranch chicken recipe has tender pan-fried chicken smothered in an irresistible ranch gravy. It comes together fast and uses only a few everyday ingredients!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (I use Hidden Valley)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional but recommended)

Instructions 

  • Cut the chicken in half lengthwise so you've got 4 thinner cutlets. Season each piece with pepper and the garlic powder.
  • Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Let the pan heat up for a few minutes.
  • Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes/side until golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, and once it's melted, stir in the flour and cook for about a minute.
  • Slowly whisk in the broth until the roux has fully dissolved.
  • Whisk in the ranch seasoning.
  • Add the chicken back to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate, and cook for another 4-5 minutes or until it has finished cooking through (165F) and the sauce has thickened up a bit more. You may need to turn the head down again so it's gently bubbling (you don't want the sauce to get too thick before the chicken is cooked through).
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately. This recipe is fairly salty, so you probably won't need to add any extra salt.

Notes

  • Use an instant read meat thermometer to ensure that chicken isn’t overcooked or undercooked.
  • This recipe is fairly salty due to the ranch seasoning and chicken broth. If you’re particularly sensitive to salt but still want to make this recipe, use low (or no sodium) chicken broth, halve the amount of ranch, or make your own homemade ranch seasoning.

Nutrition

Calories: 273kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 95mg, Sodium: 510mg, Potassium: 482mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 381IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this blog post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization to social media is strictly prohibited.

Leave a star rating and comment below!

This recipe was originally published on December 19, 2020. It’s been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!


Hi! Iโ€™m Natasha.

Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!

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4.88 from 33 votes

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73 Comments

  1. Felicity WK says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! Mine may not have been exactly as it should have been, with the ranch being a local blend rather than commercial (not readily available in my part of the world), but it was an utter winner for all in our home.

    Worked beautifully with steamed greens, mash of sweet potato, potato and pumpkin and was very easy to put together with the simple instructions youโ€™ve provided, so thank you!

    This will likely become a regular on our home menu from this point on ๐Ÿฅฐ

    1. Natasha says:

      I’m thrilled it was a hit!!! ๐Ÿ˜€

  2. Amanda E Henry says:

    5 stars
    This recipe had the best flavor and was even tastier the second day! We did a side of asparagus and potatoes and it was perfect! My husband asked for seconds!

    1. Natasha says:

      Wonderful!! ๐Ÿ˜€

  3. Lorena Wilson says:

    5 stars
    Another favorite of mine, so good!

    1. Natasha says:

      Thank you, Lorena!!

  4. Athena says:

    5 stars
    Such a yummy recipe! definitely will be trying again ๐Ÿคฉโค๏ธ

    1. Natasha says:

      Wonderful!! ๐Ÿ˜€ Thanks so much, Athena!

  5. Kathy S says:

    5 stars
    This summer, I was looking to add some variety to our easy go to chicken dishes and this one is perfect! Easy to make and the family loved the flavor of the sauce. I will definitely make this dish again. Thank you!

    1. Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says:

      That’s so nice to hear, Kathy! You’re very welcome.