Are you craving a delicious, easy dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further! This Chicken with Hidden Valley Ranch recipe is a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe is so simple, even beginner cooks will master it in a flash. Get ready for juicy, tender chicken coated in a creamy, tangy ranch dressing that’s simply irresistible. This recipe offers a fantastic blend of homemade cooking and convenient shortcuts, making it the perfect addition to your collection of best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (original or your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
Get started:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the chicken:
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Cook the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Add the ranch:
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing into the skillet. Stir gently to coat the chicken.
Serve:
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve immediately over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Tips for Success:
- For extra crispy chicken: Before adding the chicken to the skillet, you can bread it twice, repeating steps 2 & 3.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a little kick.
- Customize your ranch: Experiment with different flavors of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, such as spicy or avocado ranch, to change up the taste.
- Make it a complete meal: Add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Baked Chicken Ranch: Instead of pan-frying, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then toss with the ranch dressing in the baking dish for the last 5 minutes. This is a great option for a healthier, quick dinner idea.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Ranch: Toss the chicken and vegetables together with the ranch dressing and bake on a sheet pan for an easy cleanup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using an online nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient quantities. This recipe is generally considered a source of lean protein and is relatively low in carbohydrates depending on the side dish.
This Chicken with Hidden Valley Ranch recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that don't compromise on taste. It's perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!