Stove Top Ranch Rabbit

If you’re seeking a comforting, flavorful meal that embodies homestead cooking, look no further than this Stove Top Ranch Rabbit recipe. A must have recipe for any homesteader looking for a family favorite meal made with your own back yard rabbits. This dish is creamy and delicious and can be served with home grown mashed potatoes or rice!

This meal is one of my go to favorite easy meals. The rabbit meat is perfectly seasoned and so flavorful! And the sauce is quick and easy to make. My family loves this Ranch Rabbit recipe. Spooning this sauce over some warm mashed potatoes is delicious.

Why Choose Rabbit Meat?

Rabbit meat is a lean, high-protein alternative to traditional meats like chicken or beef. It’s rich in essential nutrients and has a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings. For homesteaders and sustainable living, raising and cooking rabbit meat offers a self-sufficient protein source.

rabbit thighs simmering in a pan on the stove

Ingredients for Stove Top Ranch Rabbit

For the Rabbit:

  • 4 rabbit thighs
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 10.5 oz. can of cream of chicken soup
cooked rabbit thighs in a skillet on the stove and on a pan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Rabbit

  • Season both sides of the rabbit thighs with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Brush one side of each thigh with melted butter.

2. Sear the Rabbit

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Place the rabbit thighs in the skillet, buttered side down.
  • Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Remove the rabbit from the skillet and set aside.
cooked rabbit thighs on a pan covered in tin foil

3. Prepare the Stove Top Creamy Ranch Rabbit Sauce

  • In the same skillet, combine ranch seasoning, onion powder, milk, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup.
  • Stir the mixture over medium heat until well combined.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
rabbit thighs simmering in a creamy ranch sauce on the stove

4. Simmer the Rabbit in Sauce

  • Return the seared rabbit thighs to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece.
  • Partially cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the rabbit to absorb the flavors.
a bowl of ranch rabbit on top of white rice

5. Serve

  • Serve the Stove Top Ranch Rabbit over mashed potatoes or rice.
  • Spoon additional sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Stove Top Ranch Rabbit

  • Searing: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the rabbit to achieve a proper sear.
  • Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency.
  • Flavor Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms or diced onions to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.

Storing and Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain sauce consistency.

What to Serve With Stove Top Ranch Rabbit

This dish pairs beautifully with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Egg noodles
  • Buttery rice
  • Roasted root vegetables
  • Steamed green beans or broccoli

And don’t forget a slice of sourdough bread to dip in that delicious sauce!

Why This Recipe Works

This Stove Top Ranch Rabbit recipe is a testament to simple, hearty cooking. The combination of tender rabbit meat and creamy ranch sauce creates a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s an excellent way to utilize home-raised rabbits, aligning with sustainable and self-sufficient living practices.

By following this recipe, you’re not only creating a delicious meal but also embracing a lifestyle that values sustainability and wholesome cooking. Enjoy the rich flavors and the satisfaction of a home-cooked, homestead-inspired dish.

Stove Top Ranch Rabbit

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a meal from animals you raised yourself! Especially when it comes from your own land. Stove Top Ranch Rabbit is more than just dinner; it’s a celebration of homestead living. From raising and harvesting your own meat to cooking with love and intention, this dish brings it all together.

Even if you’re new to rabbit or unsure about the flavor, ranch is a crowd-pleasing gateway to help your family fall in love with it. And because it all comes together in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze.

Variations to Try

  • Add veggies: Toss in chopped carrots, mushrooms, or spinach while the sauce simmers.
  • Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch mixture.
  • Try it dairy-free: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free sour cream substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a practical, flavorful way to prepare your home-raised meat, Stove Top Ranch Rabbit checks all the boxes. It’s easy, hearty, and full of flavor that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family, feeding guests, or just craving something warm and creamy, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box.

More Rabbit Recipes!

rabbits thigh recipe

Stove Top Creamy Ranch Rabbit

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Additional Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tender, flavorful, and easy to make, this Stove Top Ranch Rabbit recipe is the perfect way to enjoy boneless rabbit thighs. Coated in a savory ranch seasoning. Whether you’re looking for a sustainable protein option or a unique addition to your dinner rotation, this recipe is sure to impress! Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete, homestead-style meal.

Ingredients

  • 4 rabbit thighs
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt/Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Sauce
  • 3 Tablespoons Ranch seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup

Instructions

Season & Sear Rabbit

  1. Season both sides of the rabbit with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Brush one side of each piece with melted butter.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place 2-3 pieces of rabbit in the pan, buttered side down, ensuring there's space around each piece.
  3. Saute for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms. Remove and set aside. Repeat with the remaining rabbit pieces.

Make the Sauce

  1. Remove any excess oil from the skillet if necessary. Add the sauce ingredients to the skillet over medium heat and stir until combined.
  2. Let the sauce gently bubble and reduce for about 5 minutes.
  3. Return the rabbit to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each piece.
  4. Partially cover the skillet and allow the rabbit to heat through and absorb the flavors for about 10 minutes.

Notes

  • Add a splash of oil if necessary.

  • Adjust the heat as needed during cooking.

  • Avoid disturbing the chicken while it cooks to achieve a good sear. It will release from the pan once the crust has formed.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 624Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 178mgSodium: 1634mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 42g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless rabbit in this recipe?

Yes! Boneless rabbit works great and will cook slightly faster. Just reduce the simmer time by 2–3 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Can I substitute chicken for rabbit?

Absolutely. If you don’t have rabbit on hand, chicken thighs make a good alternative.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy crumbled bacon is a great topping for this Creamy Ranch Rabbit recipe. You can also add mixed vegetables into the sauce as well. Add them when you add the other sauce ingredients and give them sufficient time to heat through, then add the rabbit.

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