Chicken Bacon Ranch Rice Bowls
My family absolutely LOVES these Chicken Bacon Ranch Rice Bowls. They are at the top of the list for “bowls” in my house. That is saying a lot as, well ok, we eat bowls a lot! I am constantly looking for new ingredients and different combinations for bowls. This particular rice bowl is a winner for me because it is so versatile.
Sometimes I make this bowl super simple and prepare it exactly as the recipe states. Typically the most popular veggie I use is broccoli. I toss chopped broccoli in olive oil with some salt and pepper. Then, I quickly roast it in the oven while the chicken cooks. Other times I will add in whatever veggies are in the fridge that need to be used up. Red peppers, poblano peppers, corn, zucchini, etc. And at times I make it simply with chicken, bacon, avocado, sharp cheddar cubes and red onion; no roasted veggies. And yes, it always turns out good!
The other thing that I really love about this bowl is the chicken. I chop chicken breast tenderloins into bite sized pieces and then toss them in olive oil and spices. The spices can be tweaked from mild to spicy (sub chipotle pepper powder for some of the chili powder or add some cayenne). And I love that the chicken is baked rather than grilled. Ok so I like grilled chicken, especially on a rice bowl. But, especially in the cooler months, sometimes I just don’t want to fool with the grill. So being able to just season the chicken and throw it in the oven makes it a go-to bowl for me year round. Any leftovers of this flavorful chicken are wonderful on a salad.
The rice I use for this dish is my Simply Perfect Oven Rice. When I put the chicken in the oven to cook, I start the process for the rice. Then the rice finishes up baking alongside the chicken and I roast the broccoli at the same time. So easy!
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Rice Bowls are a good choice when you want an easy, full of flavor dinner without too much fuss. Top these bowls however you like: cilantro, sliced red onion and green onions are our favorite. Then drizzle with homemade or store-bought ranch. I usually just prepare a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch and add an extra sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, dill and fresh cracked black pepper to it before mixing. For extra spiciness try it with my Jalapeno Ranch dressing. Delish!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Rice Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 to 1½ pounds chicken breast tenderloins cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste (I use a generous pinch of both)
- 6 strips bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 broccoli crown chopped into small pieces and roasted with a little olive oil and salt and pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese cut into small cubes
- 1 avocado chopped and sprinkled with a bit of lemon or lime juice
- handful cherry tomatoes chopped
- ½ small red onion cut into small slices
- cooked rice for serving
- green onions and cilantro for serving
- homemade or store bought ranch dressing for drizzling on top; I either use a Hidden Valley ranch packet that I have prepared and "doctored up" with a few extra seasonings or my homemade Jalapeno Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉ .
- Prepare a baking sheet with non stick foil and set aside.In a medium sized bowl, place the chicken pieces and add the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat with oil and spices.. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, until done and lightly charred. Note: What I normally do is place the chicken in the oven and then begin the process of making my Simply Perfect Oven Rice. I start the rice on the stovetop and then it into the same oven with the chicken to finish cooking. At this time I will also the broccoli (on its own small sheet pan) into the same oven to roast for about 10-12 minutes or so, until done. Everything will get done about the same time.
- To serve, scoop rice into bowls and place the the baked chicken, the roasted broccoli, cheddar cheese cubes, avocado, cherry tomatoes and red onion on the rice. Top with the cooked bacon, cilantro, and green onions. Drizzle with your favorite ranch dressing. We love to eat these bowls with blue corn tortillas on the side. Enjoy!