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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish The main part of this dish is the chicken. I love using boneless, skinless thighs. They stay juicy and cook well. The creamy sauce comes from cream cheese and ranch seasoning. This mix gives a rich flavor that I find hard to resist. I also add fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. They bring color and nutrition to the meal. The ranch seasoning mix is key here. It adds a burst of flavor. I always look for a low-sodium option to control salt levels. Along with the ranch, I use salt and black pepper for taste. For garnish, I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It makes the dish look bright and inviting. If you want to change the protein, try chicken breasts or even turkey. For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese. You can also use almond milk instead of chicken broth. If you want more veggies, add bell peppers or zucchini. They work great in the skillet and add more flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Use enough to coat both sides well. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked inside. The safe internal temperature is 165°F. After cooking, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate while you make the sauce. In the same hot skillet, add the finely diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and fragrant. This step adds a sweet flavor to the sauce. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. You want the garlic to be lightly golden. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for about 2 minutes until they soften. Now pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This helps all the flavors blend well. Dollop in the softened cream cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Add the roughly chopped spinach and let it wilt slightly. This adds color and nutrients to the dish. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Coat them well with the creamy ranch sauce. Then, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This melts the cheese, making it delicious and bubbly. Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a bright touch to your dish. Enjoy your creamy ranch chicken skillet hot and fresh! To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, always check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F. This keeps it safe to eat and juicy. Sear the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides. This adds flavor and locks in moisture. For creamy sauce consistency, start with softened cream cheese. It mixes easier and avoids lumps. Stir the sauce gently to blend in the cream cheese. If it feels too thick, add more chicken broth a little at a time. This keeps the sauce smooth and rich. For serving suggestions, I love to serve the creamy ranch chicken skillet right from the pan. It looks homey and inviting! If you prefer, transfer it to a large serving platter. This adds a nice touch for guests. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it over rice. Both options soak up the delicious sauce well. To enhance visual appeal, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. The bright green color contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce. You can also add a few extra cherry tomato halves for a pop of color. This makes your dish look even more appetizing. The ideal side dishes for this meal include a simple green salad or steamed veggies. They balance the richness of the chicken. Garlic bread is another favorite. It adds a nice crunch. For beverage pairings, a chilled white wine works well. A light Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon. It refreshes your palate and pairs well with the dish. Pro Tips Brining the Chicken: For extra juicy chicken, brine the chicken thighs in a mixture of water and salt for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to keep them moist during the cooking process. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or dill when cooking the onions for an extra layer of flavor in the dish. Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist without sacrificing creaminess. Serving Suggestions: Serve over pasta or quinoa for a heartier meal, and don’t forget to drizzle some of the sauce over the sides for added flavor! {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your creamy ranch chicken skillet. Try adding different spices like paprika or chili powder for a kick. Fresh herbs such as basil or thyme will also enhance the taste. If you love cheese, switch up the mozzarella. Consider gouda or cheddar for a richer flavor. For those who need a gluten-free meal, simply choose a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix. This small change makes the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. If you're aiming for a low-carb option, skip the cream cheese and use cauliflower instead. It adds creaminess without the carbs. If you're looking for vegan options, swap the chicken with seitan or tofu. Both provide great texture and flavor. For the cream cheese, use a plant-based version to keep it dairy-free. You can also mix in different veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. These swaps bring new tastes and colors to the dish. To store leftovers, put the creamy ranch chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Make sure it cools down first. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These are great at keeping your food fresh. They are also easy to clean and reuse. The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Simply place it in a skillet over low heat. Stir it gently to warm it up evenly. To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating. This will help restore its rich texture and flavor. Yes, you can freeze this dish! It freezes well for up to two months. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then place it in a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove for the best results. What should I serve with Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet? You can pair this dish with many sides. Some great options include: - Crusty bread for dipping. - Rice to soak up the sauce. - A fresh green salad for crunch. These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. Can I use frozen chicken thighs? Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing keeps the chicken juicy and helps it cook evenly. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or in cold water for faster results. How can I make this recipe spicier? To spice things up, you could: - Add red pepper flakes to the sauce. - Mix in some diced jalapeños. - Use a spicy ranch seasoning. These changes will bring a nice kick to your creamy ranch chicken. What can I use instead of ranch seasoning? If you don't have ranch seasoning, try: - A mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. - A packet of Italian seasoning for a different flavor. - Homemade ranch dressing for extra creaminess. These options still give your dish a tasty flavor. How do I know the chicken is cooked through? The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. Can I use a different cooking method, like baking? Yes, you can bake the chicken if you prefer. Just sear it first, then: - Place it in a baking dish. - Pour the sauce over the chicken. - Bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. This method will keep the chicken moist and flavorful. This blog post covered everything you need for a great Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet. We talked about key ingredients, how to prepare the chicken, and tips for a perfect meal. Remember, you can swap ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs. Cooking should be fun and easy, so don’t stress! Enjoy this dish with friends or family. Try it this week, and watch everyone love your cooking!

Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet Delight

A delicious and creamy chicken dish cooked in a skillet with ranch seasoning and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 2 cups cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  • Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet and sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the finely diced onion. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Introduce the minced garlic to the onions, stirring continuously for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is aromatic and lightly golden.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and simmer for about 2 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
  • Carefully pour in the chicken broth and add the ranch seasoning mix. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Once simmering, dollop in the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well incorporated.
  • Toss in the roughly chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt slightly, before returning the chicken thighs to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the luxurious creamy ranch sauce.
  • Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch!

Notes

Serve directly from the pan or transfer to a platter. Pairs well with crusty bread or rice.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, ranch, skillet