One-Pot Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Rice – Easy Dinner Recipe for Busy Nights

When life gets busy and everyone’s hungry, nothing beats a warm, comforting one-pot meal that practically cooks itself. This One-Pot Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Rice is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—simple ingredients, familiar flavors, and minimal cleanup. Everything comes together in a single pot, allowing the rice to soak up all the savory goodness from tender chicken, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and deeply satisfying without being complicated.

Inspired by classic American comfort cooking, this dish blends creamy textures with bold, homey flavor. Ranch seasoning adds that unmistakable herby tang, while cheddar cheese melts into the rice, making every spoonful rich and comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, school nights, or anytime you want a no-fuss dinner that still feels like a warm hug. Serve it straight from the pot, gather everyone around the table, and enjoy a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Ingredients 🛒

For the Main Dish

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Rice & Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup steamed broccoli or peas
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish 🌿)

Step-by-Step Directions 🍳

1. Sauté the chicken.
   Heat olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly golden and mostly cooked through.
2. Add the rice.
   Stir the uncooked rice directly into the skillet with the chicken. Let it toast gently for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps build flavor and keeps the rice from becoming mushy.
3. Pour in liquids.
   Slowly add the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine and scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Simmer gently.
   Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking.
5. Make it creamy.
   Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated and creamy.
6. Add the cheese.
   Sprinkle in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the rice, creating a rich, cheesy texture that coats every bite. 🧀
7. Add extras (optional).
   If using vegetables or bacon, fold them in now while the dish is still hot.
8. Rest and garnish.
   Cover the pot and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
9. Serve warm.
   Spoon into bowls and enjoy straight from the pot—comfort food made easy.

Notes & Tips 📝

• Chicken thighs add extra juiciness, while chicken breasts keep the dish lighter—both work beautifully.
• For extra creaminess, stir in an additional splash of milk just before serving.
• Want a little kick? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the rice.

Nutritional Information (Approximate) 🥗

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Cook Time: 25 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~460 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sodium: Moderate

This One-Pot Cheesy Ranch Chicken and Rice is proof that a comforting, satisfying dinner doesn’t need to be complicated. With one pot, everyday ingredients, and flavors everyone loves, it’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you still want something warm and homemade on the table.

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!