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One-pan cheesy ranch chicken skillet showing chicken breasts simmered in creamy ranch sauce and finished with melted cheddar cheese
Isaac blogger

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Skillet – Quick & Creamy Weeknight Dinner

A fast and family-friendly cheesy ranch chicken skillet made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy ranch sauce and finished with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and easy to customize with vegetables or spice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories:
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 –2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4–6 medium)
  • 1 1 oz packet dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste (optional)
  • Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley or chives chopped
  • Optional Add-Ins: Sliced mushrooms bell peppers, spinach, or cooked bacon

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Skillet Method (Quick & Easy)
  4. Pat chicken breasts dry and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional salt.
  5. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden.
  6. In a bowl, whisk together ranch seasoning mix, broth, cream, and softened cream cheese until smooth.
  7. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Pour sauce over chicken, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches safe internal doneness, with a firm but tender texture.
  8. During the final 5 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Cover briefly until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve hot.
  10. Oven-Baked Method (Hands-Off Option)
  11. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  12. Season chicken as directed above. Optional: Sear briefly in an oven-safe skillet for added color.
  13. Prepare ranch sauce and pour evenly over chicken.
  14. Bake for 25–35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches safe internal doneness, with a firm but tender texture.
  15. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. Garnish and serve.
  16. Cooking Notes
  17. Add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli during the last portion of cooking for extra nutrition.
  18. For extra heat, add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
  19. Store leftovers promptly in an airtight container in the refrigerator according to food safety guidelines. Reheat gently until heated through.