Creamy Ranch Chicken and Broccoli
This recipe is a delightful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and broccoli florets are bathed in a creamy ranch sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons water (optional)
Cooking Guide:
- Season the chicken with half of the salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Transfer the broccoli to the plate with the chicken.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, mayonnaise, chives, parsley, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, and remaining salt and pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in the water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Return the chicken and broccoli to the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream instead of mayonnaise.
- Want to add a cheesy element? Shred some cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over the dish before serving.
- You can use frozen broccoli florets in this recipe. Simply steam them according to package directions before adding them to the pan.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.