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 irresistibly satisfying about a one-pan meal that feels cozy and indulgent all at once. This Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly, blending creamy goodness with a punch of ranch flavor that you'll want on repeat in your dinner rotation.

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

Honestly, I’ve made this creamy ranch chicken skillet more times than I can count, and each time it feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s not just easy—it’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together without a fuss. You'll quickly see why it’s my go-to weeknight meal.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, making it effortless to whip up anytime.
One-Skillet Magic: Minimal cleanup means less stress after dinner—win-win!
Rich, Comforting Sauce: The creamy ranch sauce elevates the chicken to something truly special without being complicated.
Customizable: You can easily add veggies or mix things up, so it suits your taste and what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe balances simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a luscious, creamy sauce and tender chicken you’ll savor in every bite. Each component plays a role: the Italian seasoning and ranch mix pack the flavor, while sour cream and cream of chicken soup make the sauce irresistibly smooth.

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 Breast: Sliced thinner for quick, even cooking; pounding them helps keep them tender.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a subtle herby backbone that complements the ranch flavor beautifully.
Butter & Olive Oil: The butter adds richness; olive oil helps get that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as the creamy base for the sauce, making it velvety with depth.
Milk: Thins the sauce to just the right consistency without watering it down.
Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess that makes the sauce so satisfying.
Onion Powder: Subtle sweetness and savory depth without chopping fresh onions.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The star flavoring—be sure to get the seasoning, not the dip mix for the right balance.

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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

One of the joys of the Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe is how easily you can tweak it. I often toss in frozen peas or broccoli to sneak in some greens. You can also add a handful of shredded cheese or crispy bacon for extra indulgence. It’s your canvas, really.

Vegetable Boost: Frozen veggies like green beans or corn mix right into the sauce, making dinner more colorful and nutritious.
Bacon & Cheese: I love topping my skillet with crispy bacon bits and cheddar for a smoky, melty twist.
Swap the Protein: Tried this with pork chops and it works beautifully if chicken isn’t on hand.

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: Prepare and Season Your Chicken

I like to start by slicing the chicken breasts into 2-3 thinner pieces. If you have a meat mallet, give them a gentle pound to about ½ inch thickness—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Dry the slices well—patting them dry with a paper towel helps get a golden crust later. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides, then brush the top side lightly with melted butter. Just make sure it isn’t too hot or it’ll cook the chicken too soon and dry it out.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—don’t rush this part. Once hot, carefully place the chicken slices buttered side down and cook 4-5 minutes without moving them. You’ll know it’s time to flip when you see a beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook the other side the same way. Work in batches if needed, then set the browned chicken aside while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Whip Up That Creamy Ranch Sauce

Using the same skillet (this is where all that delicious flavor lives), add your cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and onion powder. Stir everything gently until smooth and creamy, letting it bubble softly for about 5 minutes. It’s important not to rush the simmer so the sauce reduces just enough to coat your spoon nicely and develop that rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce to Finish

Slide the seared chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the pieces. Cover the pan partially with a lid and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This lets the chicken absorb the creamy flavors and stay moist. You’ll want to keep the heat on medium-low to avoid scorching the sauce.

Top Tip

From countless tries, I’ve picked up some handy tips that can really elevate your Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe experience. These have saved me from dry chicken and runny sauce more than once!

Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a beautiful, crisp sear—not steam.
Don’t Skip Searing: Searing adds flavor and texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat.
Room Temp Sour Cream: It blends into the sauce better when not cold, giving you that velvety finish.
Simmer Gently: Too high heat can curdle the sour cream or scorch the sauce; medium-low heat is your friend.

How to Serve Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe

Creamy Ranch Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions right on top—it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the richness. For an extra touch, crispy bacon bits or shredded cheddar cheese turn this from everyday dinner to a little celebration.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats serving this alongside baked potatoes—you can spoon that creamy ranch sauce right over them for extra yum. Roasted veggies or a simple green salad also pair beautifully, keeping the meal balanced but still comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the cooked chicken and sauce over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, then finished with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh herbs. It’s a simple but elegant upgrade that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I usually add a splash of milk or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and sometimes freeze small baked potatoes alongside for ready-to-go meals. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Microwaving works great—heat gently and stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. On the stove, warm it over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring until it's heated through and creamy again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ranch dip mix instead of ranch seasoning mix?

It's important to use ranch seasoning mix, not ranch dip mix. The seasoning mix is designed to dissolve evenly into the sauce and provide the right blend of herbs and spices. The dip mix often has different ingredients and a thicker texture that can change the sauce’s consistency and flavor.

How do I avoid drying out the chicken?

Make sure to slice the chicken thin and pat it completely dry before seasoning. Sear it well but don’t overcook. Letting the chicken finish cooking gently in the sauce keeps it moist and tender. Also, covering the skillet while simmering helps trap steam for juicier chicken.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, corn, or broccoli can be stirred into the sauce when you combine the cream soup and seasonings. Just allow them enough time to heat through before adding the chicken back in. This is a great way to add color and nutrients.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if that’s what you have—flavor will change slightly but still be delicious. Alternatively, you could make a quick homemade cream base using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings, but it won’t be quite as quick.

Final Thoughts

Making the Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Recipe is like creating a little moment of comfort and joy that everyone will appreciate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, it’s a recipe I’m always eager to share with friends. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish that feels like a warm kitchen hug.