🥘 Ranch Chicken and Rice Recipe
Looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This ranch chicken and rice recipe checks all the boxes. It’s cozy, flavorful, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe is the kind you’ll come back to again and again.
Let’s walk through exactly how you can make it at home—no complicated steps or fancy ingredients required.
Table of Contents
🍗 What Makes Ranch Chicken and Rice So Special?
This dish is all about comfort and ease. You combine tender pieces of chicken, well-seasoned rice, and a creamy ranch-infused sauce into a one-pan baked meal. Everything cooks together, making both prep and cleanup incredibly easy.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- One dish = less mess
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Picky-eater approved
If you’re short on time but want big flavor, this is your answer.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this family-favorite recipe.
🧾 Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2–3 medium | Boneless, skinless; main protein |
| Long grain white rice | 1 cup | Base of the dish; cooks in the oven |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | Adds flavor and moisture |
| Dry ranch spice mix | 1 packet (28g) | Delivers the classic ranch flavor profile |
| Creamy chicken soup | 1 can _ (295g | Adds a rich and velvety texture |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Lightly pan-sear chicken for richness |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Season lightly as ranch adds salt |
| Cheddar cheese (optional) | 1 cup | For a melted topping (optional) |
Note: This recipe is completely alcohol-free and pork-free—perfect for family meals or dietary-conscious cooking.
🔥 Simple Steps to Make Ranch Chicken and Rice
🔪 1. Prep Your Chicken
Slice the chicken into medium pieces. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Don’t go overboard—ranch seasoning has plenty of bold flavor.
🍳 2. Lightly Brown the Chicken
Warm a bit of olive oil in a wide skillet or a pan that’s oven-safe. Quickly sear the chicken for a couple of minutes on each side. You’re not fully cooking it—just giving it a golden touch for added flavor and texture.
🥣 3. Mix the Sauce and Rice
In a mixing bowl, combine your uncooked rice with ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. This blend forms the creamy foundation of the dish, soaking into the rice and chicken as it bakes.
🧑🍳 4. Assemble and Bake
Arrange your chicken in a greased baking dish. Pour the sauce and rice mixture evenly over the top. Seal the baking dish with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for around 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the rice to fully cook..
Want a gooey topping? Take off the foil, add a layer of shredded cheddar on top, and place it back in the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and forms a golden crust
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so everything sets nicely.
🧠 Tips to Get It Just Right
- ✅ Choose long grain white rice—it holds up well while baking.
- ✅ Let the dish rest after baking to allow flavors to settle.
- ✅ Using low-sodium broth gives you better control over salt levels.
- ✅ Prefer thighs over breasts? Go for it—they stay extra juicy.
- ✅ Toss in a handful of frozen peas or diced veggies for added nutrition.
🔄 Recipe Variations to Try
Feel like switching it up? Here are some tasty ideas:
- 🌶️ Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- 🧄 Extra Flavor: Mix in a bit of garlic powder or sautéed onions.
- 🧀 Cheesy Ranch: Mix cheese directly into the sauce before baking.
- 🥦 Veggie Boost: Add broccoli florets, carrots, or bell peppers.
- 🍲 Slow Cooker Option: Place all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 5–6 hours.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish is filling on its own, but adding a fresh side can balance out the meal.
- 🥗 Garden salad with lemon or balsamic dressing
- 🌽 Steamed corn or sautéed green beans
- 🥖 Warm bread rolls or garlic toast
- 🥒 Pickled vegetables for crunch
🧊 Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Don’t worry if you have leftovers—they reheat beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container and keep for up to four days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to three months.
- To Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water and microwave or warm in the oven until heated through.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
💬 Can I use quick-cook rice instead?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time and monitor it carefully. Instant rice can get too soft if left in the oven too long.
💬 Can I swap ranch mix for bottled dressing?
It’s not recommended. Liquid dressing will alter the consistency of the dish. Stick with the powdered version for best results.
💬 How can I make it healthier?
Use brown rice, low-fat cream of chicken, and reduce or skip the cheese. You can also bulk it up with vegetables.
💬 Can I prep it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed—just add 5–10 extra minutes if cooking straight from the fridge.
✅ Final Thoughts
Now that you know how simple it is to create a delicious ranch chicken and rice dish, what are you waiting for? It’s rich, comforting, and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or planning ahead for the week, this recipe offers flexibility, flavor, and ease all in one dish.
