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    Home » Main Course

    Cheesy Keto Ranch Chicken

    Published: Apr 14, 2020 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Dec 12, 2025 · 904 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    • 555
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    I think you are going to obsess over how deliciously easy this Keto Ranch Chicken is! Though it has just 5 ingredients, this simple recipe looks and tastes like something special. Only you will know that it only takes about 20 minutes to make.

    Overhead photo of Keto Ranch Chicken in a large skillet against a dark background.

    As much as I love to cook, I don't know where I'd be without easy recipes that the whole family loves.

    Life gets busy, and more often than not I just don't have the time to linger over dinner preparation.

    But still, there is that thing about three young humans - two of them taller than I am - who are very attached to eating.

    I know most of you are the same way - either because cooking isn't your jam, you are crazy-busy, or both!

    That is why I know you are going to go nuts over this easy chicken recipe.

    With just five ingredients, this recipe is simple cooking at its best!

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn From Qualifying Sales

    The Dressing

    I've used my homemade low carb ranch dressing, which I try to make weekly when I do meal prep. If you don't have the time to make your own, keto and low-carb friendly ranch dressings are relatively easy to find at the grocery store. (Just make sure you read the label!)

    FYI: I am a Yummly Publisher!

    If you aren't using Yummly you need to be. It is one of the best ways out there to discover new recipes. If you like one of my recipes, click it and save it to your Yummly collection. There is a Yum button at the top of every post.

    Tools Needed to Make This Recipe:

    • Mixing bowls
    • Oven Safe Skillet
    • Instant Read Thermometer

    Tips

    • When I have the time, I will marinate the chicken overnight in a mixture of ½ cup of ranch dressing and ¼ cup oil. Most of the time I skip this step, and the recipe is still delicious.
    • To make sure the chicken gets brown, don't skip preheating your skillet.

    Can you make this recipe with chicken thighs?

    Yes! This recipe will work just as well with chicken thighs. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the thighs. It should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    What if I don't have an oven safe skillet?

    No worries! Just cook it in a skillet and transfer it to a sheet pan or casserole dish to finish.

    Can I Make Instant Pot Keto Ranch Chicken?

    Yes! This recipe is fabulous in the Instant Pot. See the recipe card below for full instructions.

    Variations

    • Feel free to use whatever cheese you have on hand. Swiss, mozzarella, and gouda are all great options.
    • If you don't have time to make the dressing, any store-bought keto-friendly ranch dressing will do. Keep in mind that the texture could be different, so you may need to adjust accordingly.
    • This chicken is excellent topped with crumbled bacon and green onions.
    Two plates of Keto Ranch Chicken against a dark background.

    How to Make Low Carb Ranch Chicken

    First, start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper and letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. (This step is optional - feel free to skip it if you are short on time.

    Next, mix the ranch and cream cheese in a small bowl.

    Spray your skillet very well with oil and pre-heat to medium-high. (Don't skip this step!)

    Cook for about 6 minutes on each side.

    A skillet of chicken that has been browned.

    Divide the cream cheese mixture between the chicken and heat under the broiler for 2 minutes. Add the tomato slices and cook for 1 minute longer.

    A skillet of browned chicken with cream cheese and cheese on top of it.

    If You Like This Recipe You May Also Like:

    • Want all the flavor of traditional enchiladas without the carbs? These Zucchini Enchiladas are perfection.
    • This simple Keto Asparagus is the perfect easy side dish.
    • Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is one of my all-time favorite casseroles. It is pure comfort food.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Square overhead photo of Keto Ranch Chicken in a large skillet against a dark background.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Keto Ranch Chicken

    This Keto Ranch Chicken is long on flavor but astoundingly easy to make! You can use my ranch dressing recipe, or if you are short on time, store-bought will work too. Either way, you’ve got tender, moist chicken with less than 20 minutes of hands-on time.
    Prep Time7 minutes mins
    Cook Time13 minutes mins
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 273.74kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Equipment

    • Oven safe skillet

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
    • ¼ cup keto ranch dressing
    • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1 medium tomato sliced

    Instructions

    • Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. (You can skip allowing them to sit if you are short on time)
    • Meanwhile, mix the ranch dressing and cream cheese in a small bowl.

    Stove/Oven

    • Spray an oven-safe skillet or grill pan with oil and preheat to medium-high.
    • Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Divide the ranch cream cheese mixture between the chicken.
    • Top with cheese and heat under the broiler for 2 minutes. Add tomato and cook for 1 minute longer.

    Instant Pot

    • Place 1 cup of water or broth in the bottom of your Instant Pot and add the trivet. Place the chicken on top and set the valve to pressure.
    • Cook at high pressure for 8 minutes and then allow the pressure to release naturally for 7 minutes.
    • Add the ranch and cheese and return the lid to the pot. Allow to sit until the cheese melts.
    • Alternatively, you can transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2 minutes. Add the tomato and cook for 1 minute longer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 273.74kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.86g | Protein: 28.64g | Fat: 16.36g | Saturated Fat: 6.96g | Cholesterol: 105.47mg | Sodium: 347.58mg | Potassium: 494.06mg | Fiber: 0.24g | Sugar: 1.12g | Vitamin A: 493.99IU | Vitamin C: 3.72mg | Calcium: 125.27mg | Iron: 0.66mg

    « Keto Brownie Recipe
    Keto Chocolate Bark »
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    About Wendy Polisi

    Wendy Polisi is the creator of Kicking Carbs, where she shares low-carb recipes that are full of flavor and made for real life. As a cookbook author and food blogger, she’s passionate about helping families enjoy satisfying meals without the sugar crash. Wendy lives in Florida with her three kids and loves experimenting in the kitchen—especially when it involves cheese.

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Erin Sluka says

      March 27, 2019 at 11:16 pm

      Sometimes I feel so sick of pork and chicken on Keto but this recipes really looks to brig a lot of flavor to the chicken

      Reply
      • Wendy says

        March 29, 2019 at 1:33 pm

        I know what you mean about repetition! It is always fun to try something new.

        Reply
    2. Danielle Rice says

      March 29, 2019 at 12:33 am

      This looks absolutely delicious! I’m not even a big tomato fan

      Reply
      • Wendy says

        March 29, 2019 at 1:33 pm

        Thank you! My husband doesn't like tomatoes much either. You could always leave it off.

        Reply
    3. blair villanueva says

      March 29, 2019 at 9:36 am

      5 stars
      While reading of your post and seeing the dish, I could feel in my bones that this is indeed delicious. You made it so good and looks tasty.

      Reply
      • Wendy says

        March 29, 2019 at 1:33 pm

        Thanks so much Blair!

        Reply
    4. Blair says

      March 29, 2019 at 1:05 pm

      We do a lot of chicken. We are always looking for flavour options, this is one for the try list. It looks very good wonderful colours.

      Reply
      • Wendy says

        March 29, 2019 at 1:32 pm

        We do a lot of chicken too!!! Let me know how it goes.

        Reply
    5. Tiffany La Forge-Grau says

      March 29, 2019 at 7:54 pm

      5 stars
      I have been recently trying to cook better for my husband and I. We really enjoy chicken dishes and this one looks perfect! Thanks for the new idea!

      Reply
    6. Thena Franssen says

      March 31, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      I love anything keto! I have added this to my meal plan this week!

      Reply
    7. Nicole says

      April 11, 2019 at 4:25 pm

      This looks so good! Ranch chicken is my favorite. I can't wait to give this a try when the weather gets nicer out. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Wendy says

        April 12, 2019 at 1:54 pm

        I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    8. Karen D says

      February 12, 2022 at 1:59 pm

      I'm thinking that this could just be baked in the oven. What do you think?

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi says

        February 13, 2022 at 4:01 pm

        Yes, you could bake it!

        Reply
    A smiling woman in a white shirt stands at a kitchen counter outdoors, slicing lemons. There is a pitcher of lemonade, two glasses, and a plant on the table. Behind her are potted plants and gardening tools hanging on the wall.

    Welcome!

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place.

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