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Easy Ranch Chicken Thighs Skillet

Easy Ranch Chicken Thighs Skillet for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Succulent Easy Ranch Chicken Thighs simmered in a creamy garlic sauce make for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 thighs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 3-4 lbs Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs essential for juiciness and flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil for searing the chicken
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper adjust based on liking
For the Seasoning
  • 1 oz packet Ranch Dressing Mix for signature ranch flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder to add depth
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder can be skipped for milder flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon Smoked Paprika adds subtle smokiness
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock to deglaze the skillet
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream creates luscious texture
  • Fresh Parsley for garnish, optional but recommended
  • Lemon Juice a squeeze to brighten the sauce

Equipment

  • oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  2. Pat chicken thighs dry, drizzle with olive oil, and rub seasoning mix thoroughly on both sides.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear for another minute before removing.
  4. Add chicken stock to the skillet, scraping up browned bits, then stir in heavy cream, parsley, and lemon juice, letting the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Nestle seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning sauce over them, cover, and cook on medium for 10-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving, garnishing with parsley and serving lemon slices on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1thighCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 28gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Consider marinating the chicken in ranch seasoning for a deeper flavor. Always pat the chicken dry for crispy skin and simmer the sauce longer for thicker texture.

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