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Creamy Ranch Chicken and Rice served in a bowl

Homestyle Creamy Ranch Chicken and Rice

This one-pan Homestyle Creamy Ranch Chicken and Rice delivers a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. Tender chicken and fluffy rice are coated in a rich, savory ranch-infused sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 780 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet or Dutch oven
  • paper towels
  • wooden spoon
  • fork

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 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

For the Flavor & Creaminess:

  • 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix 1 oz
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened and cut into cubes
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp onion powder

For the Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice e.g., Jasmine
  • 1 cup water or additional chicken broth

Optional Garnishes:

  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken

  • Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the seasoned chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside.

Build the Creamy Ranch Base

  • Reduce heat to medium and add more olive oil to the skillet if needed.
  • Whisk in dry ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then deglaze the pan with a wooden spoon.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth, then adjust seasoning to taste.

Cook the Perfect Rice

  • Add uncooked long-grain white rice to the creamy sauce, stirring gently to ensure it is fully coated.
  • Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed; do not lift the lid.

Bring It All Together

  • Once rice is cooked, turn off the heat and gently fluff with a fork.
  • Stir the cooked chicken pieces back into the creamy ranch chicken and rice.
  • Cover the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve

  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and/or shredded cheddar cheese if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, avoid lifting the lid while the rice is cooking to ensure it steams properly. The 5-minute resting period after cooking is crucial for the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb any remaining moisture.