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Creamy Ranch Chicken with Rice and Peas is a dish that can transform your weeknight dinners into something special.

This recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright green peas in a delicious ranch sauce that is sure to please your family.

You’ll find it’s not only comforting but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I tried making this chicken and rice recipe. It was a hectic weekday, and I needed something simple yet flavorful.

The blend of creamy ranch seasoning with the chicken provided a delightful taste that everyone enjoyed, and I was thrilled to serve a dish that required so little effort. Now, I often turn to this recipe when I want a reliable meal without the fuss.

Incorporating rice and peas into the dish rounds it off nicely, creating a well-balanced meal.

You’ll love how easy it is to make and how quickly it comes together. This comforting chicken recipe is not only a family favorite but also a great way to impress guests without breaking a sweat.

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love Creamy Ranch Chicken With Rice And Peas

Creamy Ranch Chicken with Rice and Peas is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.

This family-friendly recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.

You will enjoy how easy it is to make. Just cook the chicken, whip up a creamy ranch sauce, and serve it over fluffy rice with vibrant green peas.

Key Benefits:

Comforting Dinner: The creamy sauce adds a rich flavor that makes every bite feel cozy.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it a great choice for family meals.
Versatile Dish: You can easily swap out proteins or vegetables to suit your family’s tastes.

How To Make Creamy Ranch Chicken With Rice And Peas

This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice with bright green peas. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

To make Creamy Ranch Chicken with Rice and Peas, gather the following ingredients:

Chicken: Use 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs for the best flavor.
Rice: 1 cup of rice, such as long-grain or jasmine.
Broth: 2 cups of chicken broth for added taste.
Cream: 1 cup of heavy cream to make the sauce creamy.
Peas: 1 cup of frozen green peas for color and nutrition.
Ranch seasoning: 1 packet or 2-3 tablespoons for flavor.
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced for aroma.
Onion: 1 small onion, chopped to add sweetness.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
Paprika: 1 teaspoon for a touch of heat.
Optional: ½ cup of cream cheese or Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.

Instruments

Use the following kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process:

Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing the chicken and cooking the rice.
Lid: To cover the skillet while the rice cooks.
Measuring cups: For measuring rice, broth, and cream.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping onion and garlic.
Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir ingredients while cooking.
Serving bowls: For serving the dish once it’s ready.

Having these instruments will make the cooking process smoother and help you achieve the best results.

Step By Step Instruction

Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Cook Chicken: Season the chicken with ranch seasoning and paprika. Add it to the skillet, cooking until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through, around 6-8 minutes.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rice and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce Heat and Simmer: Lower the heat, cover your skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
Add Peas and Cream: Stir in frozen peas and heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Finish with Cheese: For a creamier texture, mix in cream cheese or Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

Tips & Tricks

Prep Your Chicken: Bring the chicken to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
Cooking Oil: Use olive oil to cook the chicken. It adds flavor and helps with browning.
Seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. Season your chicken well before cooking for the best taste.
Creamy Sauce: For a rich and creamy ranch sauce, you can use a mix of heavy cream and ranch dressing. This pairs well with the chicken and rice.
Peas Addition: Add frozen peas towards the end of cooking. Stir them in for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
Cheese Option: For extra creaminess, top your dish with cheese. Parmesan works great, but you can use your favorite cheese.
Rice Cooking: Rinse the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy.
Cover While Cooking: Cover the dish to retain moisture. This will prevent the rice from drying out during cooking.
Serve Fresh: Enjoy your dish right after cooking. It tastes best when fresh and hot.

Following these tips will help you create a delicious Creamy Ranch Chicken with Rice and Peas that’s sure to please!

Ingredient Substitute

When making Creamy Ranch Chicken with Rice and Peas, you can easily swap out some ingredients. Here are some ideas:

Rice Options: Instead of jasmine rice, you can use uncooked long grain white rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Broth Choices: Use low-sodium chicken broth to manage salt levels, ensuring a healthier dish.
Herb Alternatives: Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh parsley. Just remember to use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Greek Yogurt: If you need a healthier alternative to sour cream, consider using Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess without the extra calories.
Vegetable Add-ins: You can add bell pepper for a sweet crunch. Other veggies like peas, carrots, or spinach will work well too.
Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use that. It will save time and still provide great flavor.

What To Serve With Creamy Ranch Chicken With Rice And Peas

When serving creamy ranch chicken with rice and peas, consider pairing it with sides that complement the dish’s flavors.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort and match the richness of the chicken. They’re easy to make and loved by many.
Egg Noodles: These create a nice base for the ranch chicken. Cook them until tender, then toss with a bit of butter for extra flavor.
Steamed Vegetables: A mix of carrots, green beans, or broccoli can add color and balance the dish. They’re healthy and quick to prepare.
Cornbread: This option offers a slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken. It’s also a great way to soak up any extra sauce.
Salad: A light salad with greens and a vinaigrette dressing can refresh your palate. Opt for ingredients like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

Creamy Ranch Chicken with Rice and Peas Recipe

To enhance your meal experience, consider these combinations. They bring variety and balance to the creamy richness of ranch chicken. Each side dish can elevate your plate to something special. Enjoy your meal with confidence, knowing these pairings will create a delicious dining experience.

Nutrition Fact In List Form

Calories: Approximately 247 per serving
Protein: About 37g, which supports muscle health
Fat: Around 6g, providing energy
Carbohydrates: Roughly 2g for fueling your activities
Fiber: Minimal, often not present in ranch-style dishes

Ingredients Breakdown

Tender Chicken: A good source of lean protein
Fluffy Rice: Offers a base of carbohydrates for energy
Creamy Sauce: Derived from soup and ranch dressing mix, contributes to flavor

Daily Values

Protein: 64% of your Daily Value
Fiber: 21% of your Daily Value (varies based on added ingredients)

This meal combines nutritious elements like tender chicken and fluffy rice. The creamy sauce enhances the overall taste while keeping the dish comforting and satisfying.