This ranch sauce features greek yogurt
Ranch has many uses — chip flavoring, salad dressing, dip — but this may be its smartest application, paired with chicken, both as a sauce and marinade. Rather than using store-bought, this recipe employs Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a homemade version, which tenderizes the meat while giving it a burnished exterior. And true to ranch’s versatile nature, this same marinade can be slathered on fish, pork, shrimp or any sturdy vegetable. Ranch carrots, here we come.
Pan-Seared Ranch Chicken
Ingredients:
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, or 1/2 teaspoon dried, plus more for serving
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or parsley (or 1/2 teaspoon dried), plus more for serving
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• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions:
In a measuring cup or small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, dill and garlic powder; season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper. Transfer half the ranch to a medium bowl.
Pat the chicken dry. If thickness varies greatly, pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then transfer the chicken to the medium bowl with the ranch and toss to coat.
Let sit at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate overnight. (Let it come to room temperature before cooking.)
Heat the oil in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high. Working in batches if necessary, cook the chicken (with the marinade still on it) until deeply caramelized on the outside, the chicken releases from the pan and its juices run clear, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Turn down the heat if the chicken is browning too quickly.
If the ranch in the measuring cup is too thick, add a little bit of water to loosen it. (You should be able to drizzle it easily.) Serve chicken with the ranch passed at the table and more herbs as desired.
Total cooking time: About 35 minutes, serves 4.
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