I came across creamy ranch chicken tenders while scrolling YouTube for something quick to cook. The video showed someone tossing seasoned chicken into a skillet, adding cream, and letting it simmer into a rich sauce. It looked simple, but that final bite, golden and creamy, convinced me to try it.
The next morning, I made it with ranch seasoning, chicken tenders, cream, and garlic I already had. Served over toast with eggs, it was just as good for breakfast as it is for dinner.
Now it’s one of my go-to ranch chicken recipes. Fast, versatile, and full of flavor, it fits perfectly into any meal plan.
Why These Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders Are a Must-Try
- Full of flavor thanks to a rich ranch cream sauce
- Quick and easy to make with minimal prep
- Family-friendly and loved by picky eaters
- Only a handful of pantry ingredients needed
- Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute ranch recipes meals
This recipe brings the bold, tangy flavors of ranch seasoning together with the comfort of creamy chicken. It’s not just dinner, it’s a warm and satisfying experience that delivers big flavor without big effort.
What You Need for Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders
To make this dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Keep these on hand and you’ll always have a delicious ranch chicken dinner idea ready to go.
- 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins (about 12 pieces)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color but isn’t required. Homemade ranch seasoning is an option if you want full control over the flavors. Simply combine dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt for a DIY version.
This recipe fits right in with popular ranch seasoning recipes chicken dinners, and it’s ideal for anyone looking for meals with ranch that are as comforting as they are quick to prepare.
Try this bold and flavorful version of Taco Soup with Ranch Packet for another twist on ranch flavor.
How to Make Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders
Making these creamy ranch chicken tenders is as easy as it gets. You’ll go from fridge to table in about 25 minutes.
- Prep the chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides with ranch seasoning and black pepper. - Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover loosely. - Make the sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. - Simmer the chicken
Return the chicken to the pan. Let everything simmer gently for 5–6 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken. - Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
This dish is one of the best ranch seasoning dinner recipes because it delivers creamy comfort in every bite without requiring fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen.
If you love one-pan meals, don’t miss this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake.
What to Serve with Ranch Chicken Tenders
These creamy ranch chicken tenders are so versatile, they work with nearly any side. Here are some of our favorite pairings:
- Garlic mashed potatoes to soak up that creamy sauce
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy crunch
- Rice pilaf or buttered noodles for a simple base
- Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes for a hint of sweetness
- Warm crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce
You can also turn the tenders into a wrap, stuff them into a sandwich, or lay them over a salad for a complete ranch-flavored dinner recipe twist.
For another warm and cozy side, try this Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust.
Make It Yours: Ranch Chicken Variations
Looking to mix things up? Here are a few easy ways to make this recipe your own:
- Use boneless chicken thighs for even juicier bites
- Add mushrooms for a rich and earthy flavor boost
- Stir in grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy ranch sauce
- Spice it up with a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes
- Try Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version
Each version still delivers that bold ranch flavor, making it perfect for anyone who wants more variety in their dinner ideas with ranch seasoning.
Love creamy chicken soups? You’ll want to try this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup.
Storing and Reheating Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders
Leftovers store beautifully, and this dish is just as good the next day.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to maintain sauce texture
For microwave reheating, cover loosely and use short intervals, stirring in between to avoid overcooking.
This is one of those ranch dinner recipes that tastes even better after the flavors have had time to settle and deepen.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ranch Chicken Every Time
- Use dry chicken for the best sear. Pat the tenders well with paper towels.
- Don’t crowd the pan so the chicken browns instead of steams.
- Deglaze the pan with a little broth or cream to lift those flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Taking these extra steps ensures your ranch chicken dinner comes out just right every time.
What Not to Do When Making Ranch Chicken
Even the easiest recipes can run into trouble. Avoid these common mistakes to keep your meal delicious.
- Don’t use too much cream or the sauce will drown the chicken
- Avoid low-fat cream substitutes unless you adjust the cooking time
- Don’t skip the garlic, it adds essential flavor depth
- Don’t overcook the chicken or it will turn dry and chewy
- Don’t add salt before tasting since ranch seasoning is already salty
Stick to these basics and your creamy ranch chicken tenders will be a hit every time.
Wrap-Up: Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders for the Win
Creamy ranch chicken tenders are easy, reliable, and full of bold, craveable flavor. Whether you found this recipe through a friend, online video, or just wanted something comforting to serve tonight, you’ll be glad you gave it a try.
Add it to your list of go-to ranch dinner recipes and share it with anyone who needs a quick and satisfying meal that’s big on flavor and light on effort.
FAQs About Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders
Can I bake creamy ranch chicken tenders instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Coat the chicken with ranch seasoning and a light drizzle of olive oil. For extra crispness, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Add the cream sauce separately after baking for best results.
What sides go well with creamy ranch chicken tenders?
Great sides include mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, corn on the cob, or buttered noodles. For a complete ranch meal, serve with a fresh salad tossed in ranch dressing and a slice of warm garlic bread on the side.
Can I use bottled ranch dressing instead of dry seasoning?
Bottled ranch dressing has a thinner consistency and a milder flavor than dry ranch seasoning. If using it, reduce the amount of cream slightly and be sure to taste and adjust the salt level. Dry seasoning delivers the best flavor intensity for this dish.
How can I make creamy ranch chicken tenders low-carb?
Skip the flour and use almond flour or crushed low-carb crackers for coating. You can also skip the coating entirely and pan-sear the tenders directly with ranch seasoning. Serve with steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles.
How do I store and reheat leftover creamy ranch chicken tenders?
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture, but short intervals can work in a pinch.
Print
Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These creamy ranch chicken tenders are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich, velvety ranch-seasoned cream sauce. Perfect for breakfast or dinner.
Ingredients
1½ pounds chicken tenderloins
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken tenders dry and season both sides with ranch seasoning and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, scraping the pan, and stir well.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5–6 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Serve over toast with eggs for breakfast or pair with rice, pasta, or veggies for dinner.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders, ranch chicken dinner ideas, ranch seasoning recipes chicken dinners, meals with ranch, ranch recipes meals
