Cheesy Chicken Bacon and Rice Skillet

Name: Cheesy Chicken Bacon and Rice Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed; 2 cups chicken broth; 1.5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided; 2 oz cream cheese; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 tbsp sliced green onions, for garnish

This cheesy chicken bacon and rice skillet is a complete one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fluffy jasmine rice with ranch seasoning and melted Colby Jack cheese. It's designed for busy weeknights and cooks entirely in a single skillet.

🌍American 🏷️Chicken and rice 🏷️Skillet dinner 🏷️One-pan meal 🏷️Cheesy chicken Bacon

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

-0:00

cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by cookinginthemidwest

-0:00

cookinginthemidwestonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 cup jasmine rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
1.5 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
2 oz cream cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tbsp sliced green onions, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
2
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and ranch seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned.
3
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
4
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5
Push the chicken and onions to the sides of the skillet to create a well in the center. Add the rinsed jasmine rice and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring it in the center.
6
Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together to combine.
7
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid.
8
Remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese and the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
9
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and the crumbled bacon over the top.
10
Place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or simply cover with the lid again for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
11
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Render the bacon fully before adding chicken—this builds flavor and prevents soggy bacon in the finished dish.
Rinse jasmine rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains.
Check that the rice is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed before adding cheese; this ensures proper texture and prevents a mushy skillet.
Let the skillet rest 2–3 minutes after adding cheese so it melts evenly and coats the rice and chicken without breaking.

Substitutions

Colby Jack → sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack (milder flavor; adjust salt if using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents)
Jasmine rice → long-grain white rice or brown rice (brown rice requires 5–10 extra minutes cooking time)
Chicken breast → boneless, skinless chicken thighs (slightly longer cooking time; more forgiving and juicier)
Chicken broth → vegetable broth or water (reduces depth of flavor slightly)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

Common Questions

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes. Long-grain white rice, brown rice, or arborio rice work well. Adjust cooking time based on rice variety—brown rice needs about 5–10 extra minutes.

Should I cook the bacon separately?

Cooking bacon in the skillet first renders the fat and flavors the dish. You can cook it separately if preferred, then crumble and stir in at the end.

What if I don't have ranch seasoning mix?

Mix 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried dill, and 1/4 tsp dried parsley as a substitute.

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare and cook the skillet, then cool and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.