Remember those college days when chicken bacon ranch anything was the holy grail of flavors? Well, guess what? It still rocks, especially in this easy skillet dish.
This Sizzling Chicken Bacon Ranch Delight is the ultimate comfort dish, packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners. If you love the classic combo of chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. The fragrant jasmine rice absorbs all the savory goodness, making each bite irresistible. Trust me, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds!
Fancy, right? But don’t worry, it’s not gonna judge you for eating straight out of the pan (which, let’s be honest, is totally happening). My family recipe deserves that treatment.
Why Should You Try Chicken Bacon Ranch with Jasmine Rice?
Flavor Fusion: Jasmine rice brings an aromatic quality that pairs perfectly with the other three main players here; chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch. It absorbs all the juices and seasonings. Every bite is equally flavorful.
Hearty & Comforting: This is a one-skillet, filling, and satisfying meal. The chicken becomes tender, the bacon crispy as it’s supposed to be, and the buttercream ranch, what a combination! Something you should try at family dinners.
Personalize It: Swapping orzo for jasmine rice was the best decision! You can use orzo or any other grain you want, even quinoa, farro, or bulgur, perfectly fine. You just need to toast it in the skillet enough so they are done. Since I use jasmine rice, it soaks up every bit of sauce and flavor, which is delicious. It melt-in-your-mouth.
Ingredient and Substitutions
When preparing Chicken Bacon Ranch, your ingredients must all be high-quality. You can play around with it. But, you can not mess it up.
Chicken Thighs: Aks for boneless and skinless chicken thighs. They offer maximum tenderness and flavor for this recipe. Thighs stay juicy during cooking, but if you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work too—just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
Bacon: Look for thick-cut bacon to get that perfect crispy texture. It adds richness and crunch to the dish. If you’re looking to make it lighter, turkey bacon is a great substitute. It will still offer that savory flavor but without the extra fat.
Ranch Dressing: Whether you make your own ranch or go to the nearby store, aim for one with a balance of tang and creaminess. Homemade versions give you control over the flavors. But a store-bought ranch sauce will also get you home, just don’t compromise on quality. It will save time and effort. If you can get it from an Italian sore, it will double the fun. And if you’re like the majority of people now and want dairy-free, ask for a plant-based ranch dressing.
Cheddar Cheese gives the dish its extra cheesy and creamy taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a bit of heat.
When choosing ingredients, remember that fresher and higher quality leads to a richer, more flavorful result. And if you’re missing something, these substitutions will still give you a delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch dish!
You might also like Classic Chicken Pizzaiola Recipe
How to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet?
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Season the boneless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a little cayenne pepper if you like a touch of heat. This will give the chicken lots of flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, add the bacon slices. Cook until crispy, then remove and let them cool on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 4: Sauté the Shallots
Using the same skillet (keep some of that bacon fat for extra flavor), add the chopped shallots. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Step 5: Cook the Jasmine Rice
Add jasmine rice to the skillet with the shallots. Stir it around for a minute to let it absorb some of the flavors. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once the rice is ready, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the rice. Add cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice. Top everything with your crumbled bacon.
Step 7: Drizzle with Ranch
Drizzle ranch dressing over the dish—enough to cover the chicken and some of the rice, but not too much to overpower the flavors. You can always add more at the table if needed.
Finally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. It will add color and freshness. Serve the dish hot, and enjoy!
Pro-Tips
- When searing the chicken, make sure your skillet is hot enough. A good sear locks in the juices and gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust. Be patient and avoid flipping the chicken too early—let it brown fully on each side for maximum flavor.
- After cooking the chicken and bacon, there will be browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. When you add the chicken broth to cook the rice, scrape those bits up with a wooden spoon—this adds a ton of flavor to the dish that you don’t want to miss!
- Jasmine rice can sometimes dry out if left on the heat too long. If you find your rice is too dry, add a splash of extra chicken broth or cream to keep it moist and creamy as it finishes cooking.
- For the best flavor, wait until everything is fully cooked before drizzling the ranch on top. This keeps the ranch fresh and creamy, allowing it to coat the chicken and rice perfectly without getting lost during cooking.
Reheating and Storage Tips
Once your Chicken Bacon Ranch dish has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the rice and chicken together to keep the flavors intact.
When reheating in the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave in short bursts, around 1-2 minutes at a time, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly. Add a little splash of chicken broth or water if the rice seems too dry.
To reheat on the stove, place the chicken and rice in a skillet over low heat. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to bring back moisture, then cover the skillet. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until everything is warmed through. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and the rice fluffy.
While this dish can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the rice might change slightly after freezing. If you decide to freeze it, store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up on the stove or in the microwave following the tips above.
Serving Tips
Since Chicken Bacon Ranch is a rich and hearty dish, it pairs perfectly with something light on the side. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables will provide a refreshing contrast.
You can also serve it with a side of toasted bread or garlic bread. The crunchy texture pairs wonderfully with the creamy rice and tender chicken, giving each bite some extra contrast.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free ranch dressing and substitute the cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?
You can easily swap the chicken thighs for pork chops, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, bacon, and jasmine rice ahead of time and reheat before serving. Just make sure to store everything separately to avoid soggy rice.
Can I make this dish with another type of rice?
Yes! While jasmine rice adds a fragrant touch, you can substitute with basmati, long-grain, or even brown rice for a healthier twist.
Italian Chicken Bacon Ranch Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 6 boneless chicken thighs
- 6 slices Bacon
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- ½ cup White wine
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- ½ cup Heavy cream
- ¾ cup Shredded cheddar
- Ranch dressing homemade or store-bought
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
- Season 6 boneless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 6 slices of bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove and let them cool on a paper towel. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Using the same skillet with some bacon fat, sauté 1 chopped shallot for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add 1 cup of jasmine rice to the skillet. Stir for a minute, then add 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the broth.
- Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, letting the cheese melt into the rice.
- Place the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet with the rice. Top with crumbled bacon and drizzle with ranch dressing (about ½ cup or more to taste).
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- If you like your dish a little spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or serve with a dash of hot sauce on the side.
- You can stir in an extra tablespoon of cream if you prefer the rice creamier.
- Don’t overcook the chicken thighs—remove them from the skillet as soon as they reach a golden brown color to ensure they stay juicy.
- Feel free to substitute the jasmine rice with basmati or long-grain rice if you happen to have some in the pantry. You can also swap the bacon with turkey bacon or pancetta for a lighter or more authentic flavor, respectively.
