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Prepare for your new go-to weeknight dinner! This 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts recipe brings incredible flavor to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy evenings, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of active time. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal that the whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love These 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts
You’re going to fall in love with this effortless recipe.
- Incredible Flavor: Enjoy a rich, tangy ranch taste without complicated steps. These ranch chicken breasts are packed with deliciousness.
- Quick Prep & Cook Time: From start to finish, this meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Healthy & Versatile: A lean protein option that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
- Minimal Cleanup: Fewer ingredients and simple cooking mean less time spent washing dishes.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Even picky eaters will enjoy these tender, flavorful chicken cutlets.
Ingredients
This simple recipe for 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts truly lives up to its name, focusing on fresh, bold flavors with minimal fuss. Beyond the core four, you’ll just need a few common pantry staples.
- 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
- 3 green onions
- 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or avocado oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for sauce)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your kitchen. For chicken, boneless, skinless thighs also work well, just adjust cooking time slightly. If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar; let it sit for 5 minutes before using. No fresh garlic? Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder instead. Chives can substitute for green onions if needed. Any neutral-flavored oil like canola or grapeseed oil is suitable.
Equipment
Gathering your tools makes cooking a breeze.
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Meat mallet (optional)
- Parchment paper
- Gallon-size zip-top bag or shallow dish
- Small food processor or blender
- Large cast iron skillet or other heavy-bottomed skillet
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Whisk (for optional sauce)
Instructions
Creating these delicious 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken every time.
First, prepare your chicken. Slice each large chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. Place the cutlets between two pieces of parchment paper. Lightly pound each cutlet to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Transfer the pounded chicken to a gallon-size zip-top bag.
Next, make the ranch marinade. Thinly slice the green onions, setting aside the dark green parts for garnishing later. Add the white and light green parts of the green onions to a small food processor or blender, along with the buttermilk and minced garlic. Blend until the mixture is smooth. If you plan to make the optional serving sauce, reserve 3 tablespoons of this blended marinade in a separate small bowl.
Pour the remaining marinade into the bag with the chicken. Seal the bag, pressing out any excess air, and turn it to fully coat the chicken. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 8 hours to prevent texture changes.
When ready to cook, set a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the vegetable or avocado oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, remove the chicken cutlets from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Discard the remaining marinade in the bag. Carefully place the chicken into the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Season the tops of the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for all poultry to ensure safety.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.
If you’re making the optional ranch sauce, add the mayonnaise to the reserved 3 tablespoons of marinade. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then stir until well combined. Serve your flavorful ranch chicken breasts immediately, garnished with the reserved sliced dark green parts of the green onions and a dollop of the creamy ranch sauce. Enjoy this quick and easy meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect chicken is easy with a few pointers. Pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry spots. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for flavor, but don’t exceed 8 hours; too long can make chicken mushy. When cooking, preheat your skillet thoroughly before adding chicken to get a nice sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the temperature and steams the chicken instead of browning it. If your chicken seems dry, try lowering the heat slightly and cooking for less time, focusing on hitting the 165°F internal temperature exactly. Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking; this keeps it juicy.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal. The rich flavors also complement corn on the cob or a simple pasta salad.
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in short bursts until just heated through to prevent drying it out.
Variations
Get creative with your chicken!
- Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick.
- Oven-Baked or Grilled: Instead of pan-frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or grill over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side.
- Herb Additions: Mix in a teaspoon of fresh chopped parsley or dill to the marinade for extra aroma.
- Other Chicken Cuts: This recipe works beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs; just increase cooking time by a few minutes.
Nutrition Information
This recipe offers a fantastic source of lean protein. While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a serving of these chicken breasts typically provides around 300-350 calories and 35-40 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal option.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 325 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbs | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional nutrition advice.
FAQ
Can I use dried ranch seasoning instead of fresh ingredients?
Absolutely! While this recipe emphasizes fresh ingredients, you can whisk 2 tablespoons of dried ranch seasoning mix into the buttermilk as a quick alternative.
Can I freeze the cooked 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts?
Yes, cooked chicken freezes well. Store cooled chicken in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is it possible to marinate the chicken for too long?
Yes, marinating for longer than 8 hours, especially with acidic buttermilk, can change the texture of the chicken, making it mushy. Stick to the recommended 30 minutes to 8 hours.
Can I use this recipe for other types of meat?
This ranch marinade works wonderfully with pork chops or turkey cutlets. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the meat.
What about other cooking methods for this ranch chicken?
Besides pan-frying, you can grill or bake the chicken for similar results. Adjust the temperature and cooking duration accordingly, always ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F.
Conclusion
This 4-Ingredient Ranch Chicken Breasts recipe proves that delicious, healthy meals don’t require a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen. With its simple steps and robust flavor, it’s the ultimate weeknight hero for busy parents and beginner cooks. Give this recipe a try and transform your dinner routine. We’re confident it will become a family favorite! Don’t forget to leave us a rating and comment below!
