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Flavorful Ranch Chicken Bowl Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner with Fresh Veggies

ranch chicken bowl - featured image

A quick and easy ranch chicken bowl packed with juicy herb-seasoned chicken, fresh crisp veggies, and a creamy homemade ranch dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and family-friendly meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced thinly
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Optional toppings: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, avocado slices, crumbled crispy bacon

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides evenly with 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavor.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side (about 12-14 minutes total), until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165Β°F (74Β°C). Avoid moving the chicken too much to develop a crispy crust.
  3. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Then slice into bite-sized strips or cubes.
  4. While the chicken cooks, wash and dry salad greens. Slice cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, and red onion. Toss gently in a mixing bowl.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust thickness by adding more buttermilk if needed. Taste and tweak seasonings.
  6. In serving bowls, layer a bed of salad greens, then add sliced ranch chicken on top. Scatter fresh veggies over the chicken. Drizzle generously with creamy ranch dressing. Add optional toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, or crispy bacon if desired.
  7. Serve immediately for best texture. If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

Notes

Use a hot pan to get a good sear on the chicken and avoid crowding the pan to prevent steaming. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Keep dressing separate when meal prepping to avoid sogginess. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute ingredients accordingly and ensure ranch seasoning is compatible.

Nutrition

Keywords: ranch chicken bowl, easy dinner, homemade ranch dressing, fresh veggies, quick meal, family-friendly, meal prep