Description
This Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Bowl is the ultimate comfort meal made at home. Juicy, golden-fried chicken sits over fluffy rice with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, lettuce, and creamy ranch dressing. Packed with bold flavor and perfect for dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the crispy chicken:
– 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– Oil for frying or spray for air frying
For the bowls:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
– 1 cup chopped romaine or shredded iceberg lettuce
– ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ¼ cup ranch dressing (homemade or bottled)
– 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken cutlets in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes or up to 8 hours.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together panko, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat well.
4. For frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
For air frying: Spray coated chicken with oil and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble into small pieces.
6. Assemble each bowl with a base of warm rice and lettuce. Top with sliced crispy chicken, shredded cheese, bacon crumbles, and a drizzle of ranch. Garnish with chives or parsley.
Notes
– Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs work too.
– Use grilled chicken for a lighter version.
– Keep the components separate for meal prep and assemble just before eating to maintain crispness.
– Add avocado or spicy ranch for a fun variation.
– Chicken can be reheated in the air fryer or oven to keep it crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying or Air Frying
Keywords: crispy chicken bowl, chicken bacon ranch, chicken rice bowl, ranch dinner, meal prep chicken, easy chicken bowl, air fryer chicken bowl, family-friendly dinner