Ranch Chicken and Gravy

Ranch Chicken and Gravy is a delightful dish that brings the warmth of comfort food to your dinner table. This recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy ranch gravy, served over fluffy mashed potatoes. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this meal is not only easy to prepare but also guarantees satisfaction with every bite. With its enticing flavors and comforting texture, Ranch Chicken and Gravy is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in under 40 minutes.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning and creamy gravy creates an irresistible taste experience that warms the soul.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta for a delightful twist.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated easily, allowing for stress-free meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Ranch Chicken and Gravy, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will simplify your cooking process and enhance your results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and helps achieve a perfect gravy consistency.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like seasonings and sour cream without mess.
• Potato Masher: Makes mashing potatoes easier and ensures they are creamy without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision in measuring ingredients leads to consistent flavors every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Gravy

• 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 Cheesy 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 seasoning the chicken cutlets or breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and any optional spices you choose. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic until fragrant. Then add cream of chicken soup, milk, Ranch seasoning, onion powder, and sour cream. Mix well until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Gravy

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the gravy on low heat for about 10 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Prepare Cheesy 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, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon generous portions of cheesy mashed potatoes onto plates topped with ranch chicken and gravy. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones!

How to Serve Ranch Chicken and Gravy

Ranch Chicken and Gravy is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes. You can enjoy it in numerous ways to enhance the flavors and presentation. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Serve the Ranch Chicken and Gravy generously over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Pair your dish with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a touch of color and nutrition.

On a Bed of Rice

• For a different twist, serve the chicken and gravy over fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the grains to soak up the flavorful sauce.

In a Wrap

• Use tortillas to create wraps filled with Ranch Chicken and Gravy, fresh lettuce, and diced tomatoes for a fun hand-held meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Offer slices of crusty bread on the side for dipping into the rich gravy, perfect for soaking up every last bit of flavor.

As a Layered Casserole

• Get creative by layering Ranch Chicken and Gravy with pasta or rice in a casserole dish, topping it with cheese before baking until bubbly.

How to Perfect Ranch Chicken and Gravy

Creating the perfect Ranch Chicken and Gravy is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dish comes out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality chicken enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference, especially since gravy can be salty.
• Simmer Gently: Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the gravy; this ensures tenderness without overcooking.
• Opt for Creamy Textures: Using half-and-half or sour cream adds richness to your gravy, making it extra creamy.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add more spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick if you like some heat.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving helps meld all those delicious flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Ranch Chicken and Gravy

Ranch Chicken and Gravy can shine even brighter when paired with delightful side dishes. Here are some great options that complement this comforting main course perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread
   A buttery, garlic-infused bread that’s perfect for mopping up all that delicious gravy.
2. Coleslaw
   A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken, balancing flavors beautifully.
3. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn on the cob adds sweetness and pairs well with savory dishes; grill or boil for best results.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These crispy sprouts provide a nutty flavor that complements the richness of Ranch Chicken and Gravy nicely.
5. Steamed Asparagus
   Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil offers freshness that brightens up your plate.
6. Macaroni Salad
   A creamy macaroni salad brings texture variety while being a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.
7. Baked Beans
   Sweet baked beans add depth and heartiness, making it an excellent comfort food pairing.
8. Garden Salad
   A simple garden salad with greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes offers lightness alongside rich main dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Ranch Chicken and Gravy, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold seasoning choices: Using too much or too little seasoning can impact the flavor. Always taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
• Bold chicken preparation: Not pounding the chicken breasts can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure each piece is uniform in thickness for consistent results.
• Bold gravy consistency: If your gravy turns out too thick or thin, it’s often due to incorrect ratios of liquid ingredients. Follow the recipe closely for the right texture.
• Bold potato choices: Not using starchy potatoes like russets can affect the creaminess of your mashed potatoes. Stick with russets for the best outcome.
• Bold cooking time: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Monitor cooking times closely to ensure tender, juicy chicken.

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the chicken and gravy fresh.

Freezing Ranch Chicken and Gravy

• Duration: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Ranch Chicken and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heating until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of milk if needed. Stir gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ranch Chicken and Gravy?

Ranch Chicken and Gravy is a delicious dish where shredded chicken simmers in a creamy ranch-flavored gravy, perfect over mashed potatoes.

How can I customize Ranch Chicken and Gravy?

You can add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition or use different proteins like turkey or lamb based on your preference.

Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, while russet potatoes are recommended for their starchiness, you can also experiment with Yukon Golds or red potatoes for varied textures.

How do I make Ranch Chicken and Gravy ahead of time?

Prepare the dish as directed but store it separately from the mashed potatoes until you’re ready to serve. This helps maintain texture.

Conclusion

Ranch Chicken and Gravy is a delightful comfort meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its creamy sauce combined with tender chicken makes it an instant favorite. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or experimenting with different proteins!

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