Creamy Ranch Chicken and Rice

When it comes to chicken, thighs are often the unsung heroes of the poultry world. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly if overcooked, chicken thighs are juicy and tender, making them perfect for this creamy ranch dish. Their higher fat content not only enhances flavor but also helps maintain moisture during cooking. This makes chicken thighs the ideal choice for a one-pan meal like Creamy Ranch Chicken and Rice, where the chicken will be simmered to perfection alongside the rice and sauce.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Ranch Chicken and Rice recipe! This all-in-one dish features juicy chicken thighs simmered with fluffy rice in a rich, creamy ranch-infused sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe simplifies meal prep while ensuring delicious flavors. Learn about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, nutritional benefits, and creative variations to make it your own. Satisfy your cravings with this hearty meal everyone will love!

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 packet (1oz) ranch seasoning mix

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rice and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly toasted.

Add the Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and ranch seasoning mix. Stir to combine, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Combine the Ingredients: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Add Cream and Veggies: Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas and carrots. Mix well and let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.

Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt for about 2-3 minutes.

Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy ranch chicken and rice!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings