Ranch Chicken and Gravy

Ranch Chicken and Gravy is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful gravy, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. The rich flavors of ranch seasoning paired with cheesy mashed potatoes create a memorable dining experience that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The creamy ranch gravy brings warmth and richness to your meal, perfect for cozy nights.
• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, you can have dinner ready in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or serve it for special gatherings; it’s always a hit!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious taste of ranch chicken over cheesy mashed potatoes.
• Easy Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Potato masher
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken, enhancing flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Great for combining ingredients like the ranch seasoning and cream soup without mess.
• Potato masher: This tool helps achieve perfectly smooth mashed potatoes, essential for this recipe.

Ingredients

Shredded chicken breasts are simmered in this luxurious ranch white creamy gravy until tender and ready to melt in your mouth. Then it’s generously served over cheesy, buttery mashed potatoes. This Ranch Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort meal and makes a super easy dinner to enjoy with your loved ones.

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs chicken cutlets or breasts (if using breasts pound to 1/4 inch thick)
• 1.5 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1-10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup with herbs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 oz. packet Ranch Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• optional seasoning – 1/4 tsp rubbed or dried sage, 1/4 tsp rosemary, 1/4 tsp thyme
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Mashed Potatoes

• 3 lbs russet potatoes
• 1 cup half and half
• 6 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 6 oz shredded cheese (gruyere, fontina, or mozzarella)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (I go less salty since the gravy is plenty salty)
• pepper to taste

How to Make Ranch Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken cutlets or breasts with Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Then stir in the cream of chicken soup, milk, ranch seasoning, optional herbs, and sour cream until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Gravy

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the gravy mixture. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 5: Prepare Mashed Potatoes

While the chicken simmers, peel and chop russet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender. Drain well before mashing them with half-and-half, softened butter, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Spoon generous portions of cheesy mashed potatoes onto plates. Top with ranch chicken smothered in creamy gravy for a comforting meal everyone will love!

How to Serve Ranch Chicken and Gravy

Ranch Chicken and Gravy is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or something light, there are numerous ways to enjoy this creamy delight.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Rich and creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base for the savory chicken and gravy, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

With Rice

• Serve Ranch Chicken and Gravy over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal that’s equally satisfying.

On a Bed of Greens

• For a lighter option, place the chicken on a bed of mixed greens. The rich gravy adds flavor while keeping the dish fresh.

As a Sandwich

• Shred the chicken further and serve it on a toasted bun with some extra gravy. This makes for a tasty handheld meal.

With Biscuits

• Spoon the chicken and gravy over warm, flaky biscuits for an indulgent breakfast or brunch option that’s sure to please.

In a Casserole

• Combine the chicken with cooked pasta and vegetables, then bake until bubbly for an easy one-dish meal that’s full of flavor.

How to Perfect Ranch Chicken and Gravy

To make your Ranch Chicken and Gravy even more delicious, follow these simple tips that will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or chives can brighten up the dish and add layers of flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your gravy before serving; adding extra salt or pepper can elevate the flavors perfectly.
• Thicken Carefully: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a bit of cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps.
• Sear Chicken: Browning the chicken first enhances its flavor through caramelization before simmering in gravy.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps redistribute moisture, making it juicier when served.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses in your mashed potatoes for added richness; cheddar or cream cheese works great!

Best Side Dishes for Ranch Chicken and Gravy

Pairing your Ranch Chicken and Gravy with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy on your plate.
2. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition without overwhelming the palate.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the chicken and gravy.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory flavors, creating an inviting comfort food experience.
5. Roasted Carrots: These sweetened roasted carrots bring a natural sweetness that complements the savory notes of ranch chicken.
6. Mashed Cauliflower: For a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, creamy mashed cauliflower offers similar comfort with fewer carbs.
7. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with butter make an excellent base for ranch chicken if you want something simple yet filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ranch Chicken and Gravy, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using unseasoned chicken: Always season your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the flavor and makes the dish more enjoyable.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Aim for a cooking time of about 10-12 minutes per side until fully cooked.
• Neglecting the gravy consistency: If your gravy is too thick, add a little more milk gradually. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken up.
• Skipping the sour cream: Sour cream adds a creamy tang that brings balance to the dish. Don’t skip this ingredient!
• Not mashing potatoes properly: For creamy mashed potatoes, ensure you mash them thoroughly and mix in enough butter and half-and-half for a smooth texture.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Ranch Chicken and Gravy in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Ranch Chicken and Gravy

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Ranch Chicken and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed throughout. Add a splash of milk if needed for consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Ranch Chicken and Gravy?

You can pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey cutlets or even lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make ranch seasoning from scratch?

Combine equal parts dried parsley, dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a homemade version.

How long does it take to prepare Ranch Chicken and Gravy?

With prep and cook time combined, you can have this meal ready in about 35 minutes!

Conclusion

Ranch Chicken and Gravy is not only a comforting dish but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s sure to impress. Try this recipe today!

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