When it comes to meal prepping, simplicity, flavor, and nutrition are key. If you’re in search of a tasty and nutritious chicken meal prep idea that’s packed with flavor, look no further than Ranch Chicken Meal Prep. This easy-to-make recipe combines lean chicken breasts, a creamy ranch seasoning, and healthy sides that keep you fueled throughout the day. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a good, hearty meal but doesn’t have the time to spend in the kitchen every day.
Whether you’re meal prepping for work lunches, post-workout meals, or just want to make sure you have something quick and tasty on hand for the week, this ranch chicken meal prep is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can make it your own by adding or swapping in your favorite sides or toppings.
Read on for the full breakdown of how to create Ranch Chicken Meal Prep that’s perfectly balanced and ready to enjoy all week long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Flavor-packed – The creamy ranch seasoning makes every bite of chicken tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – This recipe is perfect for preparing multiple meals at once, saving you time throughout the week.
✅ Customizable – Add your favorite sides or change up the veggies based on your preference.
✅ Healthy & Satisfying – Lean chicken breast paired with veggies and carbs for a well-rounded meal.
✅ Kid-friendly – Even picky eaters will love the ranch flavor, making it a great choice for family meals.
✅ Easy to Make – With only a few simple ingredients, this meal prep recipe is ready in no time.
Ingredients (in grams)
For 4 servings, you’ll need:
For the Ranch Chicken
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (30g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (2g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Veggies
- 300g broccoli florets
- 200g carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice
- 1 cup cooked rice (160g) (you can use white, brown, or jasmine rice)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the ranch mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or you can marinate it overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Roast the Veggies
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, toss the broccoli and carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the veggies in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly crispy on the edges. Be sure to toss them halfway through cooking for even roasting.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
- While the chicken and veggies are cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions. For added flavor, you can cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water.
Step 5: Assemble the Meal Prep Bowls
- Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble the meal prep bowls.
- Divide the rice, roasted veggies, and sliced ranch chicken evenly into 4 containers.
Step 6: Store & Enjoy
- Let the meal prep bowls cool to room temperature before sealing them with a lid.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
(Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.)
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Ranch Chicken Meal Prep
✔️ Marinate for Extra Flavor – If you have time, marinate the chicken for 1-2 hours or even overnight in the fridge. The ranch seasoning will infuse deeper into the meat for an even richer flavor.
✔️ Use Leftover Chicken – If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken from another meal, this is a great recipe to use it up! Simply add the chicken to your meal prep bowls with the veggies and rice.
✔️ Add More Veggies – Get creative with your veggie choices! You can add zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, or green beans for added variety and nutrients.
✔️ Use a Grill – For extra flavor, grill the marinated chicken on a charcoal or gas grill instead of cooking it in the skillet. The smoky flavor will elevate the ranch seasoning.
✔️ Make It Low-Carb – Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb, keto-friendly option.
Delicious Variations to Try
🌶️ Spicy Ranch Chicken Meal Prep – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the ranch seasoning for an extra kick.
🍚 Quinoa Instead of Rice – Swap out the rice for quinoa for a gluten-free, high-protein alternative.
🥗 Ranch Chicken Salad – If you’re not in the mood for rice, turn this meal into a salad. Serve the ranch chicken on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of extra ranch dressing.
🍠 Sweet Potato Ranch Chicken Bowls – Roast sweet potatoes alongside the veggies for a comforting and nutrient-packed twist on this meal.
What to Serve with Ranch Chicken Meal Prep
🥖 With Garlic Bread – If you’re craving something extra, serve these bowls with a side of crispy garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls.
🥗 With a Side Salad – A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light dressing pairs beautifully with this hearty meal.
🍷 With Wine – Enjoy this meal with a crisp glass of Chardonnay or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc for a light and balanced pairing.
How to Store & Reheat Ranch Chicken Meal Prep
🛑 Store – Keep the meal prep bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat – To reheat, microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
🧊 Freeze – You can freeze the meal prep bowls for up to 3 months. Just be sure to freeze the chicken and rice separately from the veggies to maintain their texture when reheated.
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