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Juicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Bowls

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A quick and easy meal prep recipe featuring juicy chicken marinated in ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and rice, perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g), sliced
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (720 ml)
  • 2 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add sliced chicken breasts and toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken slices in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  4. Prepare rice according to package instructions. Chop romaine lettuce and halve cherry tomatoes.
  5. Divide cooked rice evenly into meal prep containers or bowls. Layer with chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cooked chicken slices, and bacon bits. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese if using.
  6. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top or pack separately to keep bowls fresh longer.
  7. Seal containers and refrigerate if meal prepping. Bowls keep well for up to 4 days. Reheat in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or enjoy cold.

Notes

Save some bacon fat to cook the chicken for extra flavor. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken slices to keep them juicy. Keep ranch dressing separate when storing to avoid soggy veggies. For a low-carb version, swap rice for cauliflower rice or mixed greens. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts but may require longer cooking time. For dairy-free, omit cheese and use dairy-free ranch dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bacon ranch bowls, meal prep, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, ranch seasoning, bacon recipe, healthy bowls