This recipe isn’t just about cooking chicken; it’s about bringing joy and ease to your dinner table. Here’s why you’ll want to add this to your meal prep rotation:

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a satisfying meal ready in under 45 minutes.
Perfect for Beginners: Simple steps make this dish friendly for all cooking skill levels, so even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll feel like a pro!
Ideal for the Whole Family: The delicious ranch flavor appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a hit for family dinners.
Economical: Using basic ingredients means you won’t break the bank while enjoying flavorful meals all week.
Meal Prep-Friendly: You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, saving time on busy days.

The Necessary Ingredients

To create this delicious ranch chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
¾ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
2 medium bell peppers (any color), sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Notes and Substitutions on Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay moist. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Ranch Dressing: While store-bought ranch is convenient, homemade ranch can add a personal touch. To make it at home, simply mix mayonnaise, buttermilk, and seasonings like garlic powder and dill.
Bell Peppers: Any color will work, but red, yellow, or orange bell peppers are sweeter than green ones. You can substitute with zucchini or asparagus if you prefer a different vegetable.

How to Prepare the Delicious Ranch Chicken Meal Prep Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinners Step by Step

Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the ranch dressing over them. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor.
- Pro Tip: Marinating overnight allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making it more delicious.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Pro Tip: While the oven heats, prep the rest of your ingredients; this keeps your workflow smooth.
Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- In a bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
- Pro Tip: Experiment with different seasonings for the bell peppers, like garlic powder or Italian herbs, for extra flavor.
Spread on Baking Sheet:
- Place the marinated chicken and seasoned bell peppers on a baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps everything roast properly.
- Pro Tip: Use parchment paper to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Roast in the Oven:
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Pro Tip: If you have a meat thermometer, it’s the best way to check for doneness without cutting into the chicken.
Rest and Slice:
- Once done, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices.
- Pro Tip: Slice against the grain for tender pieces of chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some creative ideas for serving your delicious ranch chicken:

Perfect Pairings:

Side Dishes: Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Drinks: Pair with iced tea or lemonade to refresh your meal.

Occasions:

Weeknight Dinner: This recipe is quick enough for a family dinner after a long day.
Meal Prep for the Week: Make a larger batch on the weekend to enjoy during busy workdays.

Serving Tips:

Plating: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.
Serving Size: Cut the chicken into strips for easy serving and to make it kid-friendly.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your ranch chicken and bell peppers flavorful, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerated:

Duration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Type of Container: Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers.

Freezed:

Packaging: Wrap portions in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
Defrosting: When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

Best Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the chicken juicy.

Guaranteed Success Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This will cause steaming instead of roasting.
Let It Rest: Always rest the chicken after cooking to avoid dryness.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices or herbs to the ranch dressing or chicken for a personal touch.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few interesting variations to elevate your ranch chicken dish:

For a Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the marinade for a kick.
For a Veggie-Loaded Meal: Toss in other vegetables like carrots or broccoli alongside the bell peppers.
For a Zesty Twist: Squeeze some lemon juice over the chicken before serving for freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I marinate the chicken for longer?
A: Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor. Just be cautious not to marinate for more than 48 hours.

Q: What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
A: You can make a quick homemade version using mayonnaise, yogurt, buttermilk, or even sour cream with herbs.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
A: The best way to check is using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: It’s better to thaw chicken first for even cooking, but if using from frozen, expect a longer cooking time.

Q: What should I do with leftover ranch chicken?
A: Leftovers can be added to salads, wraps, or served with rice or pasta for different meals.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! This recipe shines in meal prep due to its reheatability and maintained flavor.

Q: Can I grill this chicken instead of roasting?
A: Yes! Grill on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through for a delicious smoky flavor.

Ranch Chicken

A quick and easy ranch chicken recipe that’s perfect for meal prep and family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts Chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor.
¾ cup ranch dressing Store-bought or homemade.
2 medium bell peppers (any color), sliced Substitute with zucchini or asparagus if preferred.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and pour the ranch dressing over them. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

Preparing the Oven and Vegetables

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Roasting the Chicken and Peppers

Place the marinated chicken and seasoned bell peppers on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Resting and Serving

Once done, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Slice against the grain for tender pieces.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

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