Ranch chicken and rice is a classic dish, super easy to make and tastes delicious. This chicken and rice is made with juicy, flavor-packed chicken breasts in creamy, cheesy rice bursting with tempting ranch seasoning. Quick and easy meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s how to make it with step by step photos and a video recipe.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4people
Author: Preeti
Equipment
1 A heavy bottom pan or skillet with tight fitting lid.
Ingredients
To marinate the chicken
3boneless skinless chicken breasts650 gram, or chicken thighs
2teaspoonolive oil
1teaspoonranch seasoning
1teaspoonsmoked paprika add as per taste
For ranch chicken and rice recipe
1onionchopped
1teaspoonfinely chopped or minced garlic
½cupgreen peasI used fresh peas, but if you are using frozen peas, add them at the last 5 minutes of cooking.
1.5cupsof uncooked long grain white rice
1cupchicken broth
3tablespoonranch seasoning
½teaspoonfreshly ground black peppertaste the liquid and add as per taste
2teaspoonlemon juiceor lime juice
a handful of baby spinach
¼cupof grated cheeseor more
Instructions
Rinse and soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. Drain off the water and keep it aside.
Marinate the chicken with oil, ranch seasoning, and paprika. Keep it aside for 15 minutes so it absorbs all the flavors.
Cook the chicken: Heat 3-4 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken breast to the heated pan. Cook it for 2-3 minutes or until light golden brown on both sides. The chicken will not to be cooked completely at this stage. Remove and keep it aside on a plate then loosely cover it with foil like a little tent.
Saute onion and garlic: To the same pan; add onions and sauté until light golden. Add garlic and cook stirring continuously for 30 seconds.
Add green peas and rice. Toss the rice gently for a minute. Add water, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, pepper and lemon juice. Let it come to a boil. At this stage taste the liquid and add salt if required.
Cook chicken and rice: Reduce the heat to low, add chicken back to the pan. Cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes or until the rice and chicken are cooked (an instant-read thermometer on thickest part of chicken reads 165 degrees F).
Add spinach and cheese: During last 2 minutes of cooking, add a handful of baby spinach (optional). Gently combine, cover and cook on low heat for 2 minutes. Switch off the heat. Top it with your favorite cheese, keep it covered aside for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve warm and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Soaking the rice in water reduces the cooking time and results in fluffy rice.
I have used fresh green peas. If you are using frozen peas then add it in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Keep an eye on rice. If the rice is undercooked you can add ¼ cup of water, cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 5 more minute. Alternatively, if there is water in the base of the pan and rice is cooked, open the lid; cook uncovered on low heat until the water evaporates.
Homemade Ranch seasoning mix - ½ cup dry buttermilk powder, 1 tablespoons dried parsley, 1.5 teaspoon dried chives, 1 tablespoon garlic powder,1 tablespoon onion powder, 1.5 teaspoon dried dill weed, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.