Looking for a quick, delicious, and family-approved dinner recipe? This Chicken & Ranch Skillet is a game-changer! It’s quickly become a favorite in our home, and after just one try, I know it will be in yours too. I recently shared a sneak peek of this dish on my Instagram stories, and the response was overwhelming! Everyone wanted the recipe, and for good reason. It’s incredibly tasty, even picky eaters devour it, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. If you’re tired of dinner battles with your kids, prepare to add this recipe to your weekly rotation! As I continue to experiment with new recipes, I’m committed to sharing only the best, kid-tested and approved meals right here. Because let’s face it, finding dinner recipes that the whole family enjoys can be a real challenge!
Chicken and Ranch Skillet: A flavorful and easy family friendly recipe featuring chicken, bacon, brussel sprouts, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that kids will love.
Chicken & Ranch Skillet Recipe: A Weeknight Winner
This skillet meal is packed with protein, wholesome brussel sprouts, and hearty whole grain rice, making it a fantastic option for busy parents. The best part? It comes together quickly, even on hectic weeknights. To save even more time, you can use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. However, making the chicken from scratch is still incredibly easy and fast! For ultimate convenience, especially on busy weekdays, consider using frozen chicken breasts cooked in a slow cooker with ranch seasoning throughout the day – it will be perfectly ready to shred and add to the skillet by dinner time!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 – 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 lb brussels sprouts
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 teaspoons dried chives
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- Ranch dressing
- Optional: Trader Joe’s Sriracha Ranch (for adults who like a kick!)
DIRECTIONS:
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the stems from the brussel sprouts and cut them in half. In a medium bowl, toss the sprouts with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil or olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly crispy.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the brussel sprouts are roasting, pat the chicken breasts dry. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until slightly crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave the bacon for speed! Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess grease, and chop it into small pieces. Set aside. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet for extra flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: With the skillet still hot (and bacon fat remaining), add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Combine and Season: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the roasted brussel sprouts, cooked rice, and cooked bacon back to the skillet with the chicken. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill, dried chives, mustard powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Heat Through: Warm everything together for about 5 minutes on medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Drizzle generously with your favorite ranch dressing right before serving. For adults who enjoy a bit of spice, Trader Joe’s Sriracha Ranch is highly recommended!
This Chicken & Ranch Skillet is truly a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but delicious enough to serve any night of the week. Enjoy!