Get ready to experience a mouthwatering culinary adventure that combines the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, creamy ranch, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken in one skillet! This Stovetop Cracked Out Chicken Rice is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in under 40 minutes, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 pound of diced chicken breast, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, 1/2 cup of crumbled crispy bacon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the chicken.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the chicken and rice mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Allow the cheese to melt, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the cheese has melted and everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Finally, stir in the crumbled crispy bacon, mixing it into the dish for added flavor and crunch.
- Serve the Stovetop Cracked Out Chicken Rice hot, garnished with additional crispy bacon or chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that has cooled slightly to prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
- For extra flavor, consider using thick-cut bacon and crumbling it into larger pieces.
- Choose a high-quality ranch dressing for the best taste – homemade or premium store-bought works best.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and dice it into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the components separately and combine just before serving.
- Don't overcook the cheese – just melt it enough to create a creamy texture.
- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of ranch dressing and reduce the amount of cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 130mg
