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Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean)
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten free)
• 1 large egg
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil (for cooking if pan frying)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full fat or low fat)
• ½ cucumber (grated and drained)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until well incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the meatballs dense rather than light and tender.

2. Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
   Take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture is a little sticky, wet your hands slightly with water to help shape the meatballs with ease. Aim for uniformity in size for even cooking.

3. Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
   Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook them in batches if needed. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden brown all over and cooked through. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate as they finish, and cover them loosely with foil to keep warm.

4. Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Ranch Sauce
   In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld while you finish up the dish.

5. Step 5: Assemble and Serve
   Nestle the cooked meatballs back into the skillet over low heat. Pour the creamy ranch sauce over the top, gently stirring to coat each meatball. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes, just to warm through and allow the sauce to soak into the meatballs a bit. Serve immediately, perhaps with some warm, crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side, making sure everyone gets a generous spoonful of that luscious sauce.

Notes

It's easy to trip up on this delightful dish, but with a few tips, you'll be serving a masterpiece.

For starters, don't skip pounding the chicken. It ensures even cooking and prevents underdone centers.

When it comes to the sauce, resist the urge to rush. Letting it reduce and thicken is key to a rich, creamy finish.

Overcrowding the pan is another common hiccup. Sear the chicken in batches to get a golden crust, as overcrowding steams rather than sears.

Finally, taste as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking to make the dish truly yours. Happy cooking!

Keywords: Creamy Ranch Chicken Dish, Rich Ranch Chicken Recipe, Velvety Ranch Chicken Meal, Smooth Ranch Chicken Preparation, Luscious Ranch Chicken Recipe