Creamy Ranch Butter Chicken with Parmesan Rice

A luxurious comfort food classic that combines tender, ranch-seasoned chicken with indulgent parmesan rice – this Stick-of-Butter Chicken recipe has become a viral sensation for good reason. This crowd-pleasing dinner transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs/900g)
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (113g/4 oz/½ cup)
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz/28g)
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Parmesan Rice:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (200g)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (480ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml) or whole milk
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14g)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

  1. Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure better seasoning adhesion.
  3. In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with the spice mixture.
  5. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat and melt the stick of butter.
  6. Once butter is melted and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
  7. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Baking the Chicken:

  1. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil.
  2. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  3. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Preparing the Creamy Rice:

  1. While chicken bakes, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, and seasonings.
  3. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. Add rice and stir once to combine.
  5. Reduce heat to low, cover with tight-fitting lid.
  6. Cook for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and additional butter.
  8. Let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 680
  • Protein: 45g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fiber: 1g

Pro Tips and Tricks

  1. Temperature Matters: Bring chicken to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
  2. Perfect Rice: Don’t skip rinsing the rice – it prevents clumping and ensures creamy texture.
  3. Butter Technique: Tilt the pan while searing to spoon melted butter over the chicken continuously.
  4. Rest Period: Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Variations and Substitutions

  1. Lighter Version:
  • Use milk instead of heavy cream
  • Replace some butter with olive oil
  • Use reduced-fat ranch seasoning
  1. Flavor Variations:
  • Italian: Add Italian seasoning and sun-dried tomatoes
  • Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms and use mushroom broth
  • Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
  1. Rice Alternatives:
  • Cauliflower rice for low-carb option
  • Brown rice (adjust cooking time to 45 minutes)
  • Quinoa for higher protein content

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs work great, but increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately. Rice can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated with additional liquid. Chicken is best prepared fresh.

Why is my rice not creamy enough?

Ensure you’re using the correct liquid-to-rice ratio and avoid lifting the lid during cooking. Adding extra Parmesan and a splash of cream when reheating can restore creaminess.

Can I freeze this dish?

The chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Rice texture may change when frozen, so it’s best prepared fresh.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage:

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • Store any extra butter sauce in a separate container.

Reheating:

  • Chicken: Reheat in 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warm.
  • Rice: Add 2-3 tablespoons liquid per cup of rice when reheating on stovetop or microwave.

Make-Ahead:

  • Season chicken up to 24 hours in advance
  • Prepare spice mixture up to 1 month ahead
  • Measure and combine dry ingredients for rice
  • Grate cheese in advance and store in refrigerator

This indulgent comfort food classic brings together tender, flavorful chicken and creamy, cheesy rice for a memorable family dinner. With proper preparation and attention to detail, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.