Description
This 30-Minute Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast sautéed with fresh vegetables, tossed with buffalo hot sauce and creamy ranch dressing, served over fluffy white rice and optionally topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a spicy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil, divided
- 1/2 large white or yellow onion, diced
- 4 stalks celery, diced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Base and Sauces
- 4 cups pre-cooked white rice (can substitute with cauliflower rice)
- 1/4 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 3/4 cup ranch dressing
Toppings
- 2/3 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil, then add the chicken pieces. Sauté the chicken on all sides until no longer pink inside, about 6-9 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet, keeping the skillet hot.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet if needed. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, around 5-6 minutes.
- Combine with Rice and Sauce: Stir in the pre-cooked white or cauliflower rice with the vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Return the chicken to the skillet, then add buffalo hot sauce and ranch dressing. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, sprinkle the grated cheddar over the top. Preheat your oven to broil and place the skillet under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rice to save time and ensure fast cooking.
- Cauliflower rice can be used as a lower-carb alternative or mixed with white rice.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo hot sauce based on your preferred spice level.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice melted cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for an easy next-day meal.
