Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and stay even more tender. You won't need to pound them thin, but you might need to adjust cooking time slightly – they typically take a bit longer to cook through.

I don't have ranch seasoning. What can I substitute?

If you're out of ranch seasoning packets, you can create your own blend using dried herbs and spices. Mix 1 tablespoon each of dried parsley and dried dill with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This homemade version works beautifully in a pinch!

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! This recipe adapts well to a slow cooker. Brown the chicken first as directed, then transfer to your slow cooker. Make the gravy as instructed and pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the sour cream just before serving and stir to combine.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, 2% milk, and light sour cream. You can also serve over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for a lower-carb option that still soaks up all that delicious gravy.

Ranch Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Description

A comforting, flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken smothered in a creamy ranch gravy. This satisfying meal pairs perfectly with cheesy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1.5 lbs chicken cutlets (or breasts pounded 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
1/4 tsp rubbed or dried sage (optional)
1/4 tsp rosemary (optional)
1/4 tsp thyme (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes (optional)

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
Pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare and Cook Chicken: Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with olive oil and seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons olive oil. Once the skillet is hot add in the chicken. Cook undisturbed about 3-4 minutes or until the underside is golden brown. Flip chicken just once. Lower heat to low and continue to cook about 4-5 more minutes. Add 1 tablespoon butter into the pan with the chicken as it finishes cooking, tossing the chicken to coat in the melted butter. Set chicken aside and tent with foil.
Make Ranch Gravy: In the same pan over medium-low, add remaining butter (1 tbsp) and saute garlic about 30 seconds. Spoon in the can of cream of chicken and whisk in milk until sauce is smooth. Add in ranch packet, onion powder, and pepper (+ rosemary and sage if using). Whisk until smooth. Do not use any salt as there is enough in the cream of chicken and ranch seasoning. Turn heat to low.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Shred the chicken and add it with pan juices into the creamy sauce. Toss to coat so it’s submerged in the sauce. Turn heat to lowest simmer setting, cover pan and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until chicken is tender and falls apart. Take the pan off the heat. Stir in the sour cream. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes with extra pan sauce.
Prepare Cheesy Mashed Potatoes (optional): Peel and quarter potatoes so they are roughly the same size. Bring water to a boil in a large pot over high heat, add 3/4 tsp salt to the water. Cook potatoes until they are fork tender, about 15 minutes. Strain potatoes. While potatoes are in the strainer, add butter and half and half into the empty pot over medium heat until it warms through and butter melts, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully add potatoes back into the pot (into the liquid). Mash the potatoes, working the half & half and butter into the potatoes until smooth. Add in shredded cheese and mix into the hot potatoes along with the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Continue to mash until smooth and cheese has melted. Taste and adjust as needed.

Notes

The optional seasonings in the creamy ranch gravy enhance the dish’s flavor, but it’s still delicious without them.
For a lower-carb option, serve the chicken and gravy over cauliflower mash or steamed vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can substitute chicken thighs for a more tender, flavorful result, but cooking time may need to be adjusted.
This dish freezes well without the potatoes for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 620
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 19g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 140mg