This cast iron chicken with broccoli and ranch is a one-pan wonder, blending creamy, herby richness with savory golden chicken and charred broccoli for an easy yet irresistible dinner.
Perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining, this skillet meal brings ranch flavor to life with every forkful—comfort food without the fuss.
Star Ingredients in Cast Iron Chicken with Broccoli and Ranch
- Chicken breasts – Sliced for quicker cooking, these become golden and juicy as they soak up all the ranch-infused goodness.
- Ranch seasoning – The star of the show, providing bold, tangy, herbaceous flavor that permeates every bite.
- Broccoli florets – Roasted right in the pan until lightly charred, they bring a satisfying crunch and earthy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream – Adds luscious richness that turns the skillet into a decadent ranch-forward comfort dish.
- Parmesan cheese – Sprinkled at the end, it melts into the sauce, giving salty umami depth.
- Butter and olive oil – Used for sautéing and flavor layering, they build the golden crust and mellow undertones.
- Garlic and onion – The aromatic base that adds warmth and subtle sweetness to the creamy ranch sauce.
How to Make This Ranchy Cast Iron Skillet Hit
Start by heating your cast iron skillet until it’s hot enough to sear. Add olive oil and brown the seasoned chicken on all sides until fully cooked—then set it aside.
In the same skillet, cook the onion and garlic in butter until soft. Add broccoli and give it time to char slightly, unlocking deeper flavor.
Next, stir in chicken stock, ranch dressing, and heavy cream. Cover and let the sauce simmer gently until the broccoli is fork-tender.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer a few minutes more until everything is thick, creamy, and bubbling. Finish with parmesan on top and serve warm.
Ranch It Up: Tips and Tasty Twists
To maximize the ranch flavor, use both dry ranch seasoning and liquid ranch dressing. The blend gives this dish layers of tang, herbs, and creaminess that feel indulgent yet balanced.
If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic. For a lower-carb option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk—just reduce it a bit longer.
For extra texture, toss in crisped bacon or roasted potatoes. Want to make it a bit more indulgent? Add shredded cheddar with the parmesan for a gooier, cheesier finish.
Saving the Skillet Magic: Storing & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy ranch sauce reheats well on the stovetop over low heat—just add a splash of cream or stock to loosen it.
To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and skip the broccoli if you’re picky about texture. Reheat from frozen in a covered skillet, slowly, for the best flavor retention.
Cast Iron Chicken with Broccoli and Ranch
Ingredients
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion chopped
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 4 tbsp. ranch seasoning divided
- 3 tbsp. salted butter
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts halved vertically
Instructions
- Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, then pour in the olive oil.
- Season each halved chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of the ranch seasoning.
- Transfer the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet, searing until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate, leaving the stovetop on.
- Into the same skillet, add the butter along with chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté over low to medium heat until the onions turn soft and translucent.
- Introduce the broccoli florets to the pan, cooking until they are slightly charred to enhance flavor.
- Stir in the chicken stock, ranch dressing, and heavy cream, mixing thoroughly.
- Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to simmer until the broccoli becomes tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, submerging it into the creamy mixture. Simmer until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately.
