Summer evenings are meant for enjoying the outdoors, not being stuck in the kitchen. However, dinner still needs to be made, and this Paleo Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet is the perfect solution for those nights when you want a quick, delicious meal without missing out on the summer fun.
The Benefits of Paleo Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet
This skillet meal is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients that align with a paleo lifestyle. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
High-Quality Protein: Chicken and bacon are excellent sources of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. They provide the necessary energy to keep you active and satisfied.
Healthy Fats: This dish includes healthy fats from the bacon and the Paleo Ranch Dressing. Healthy fats are crucial for brain health, hormone balance, and providing long-lasting satiety.
Nutrient-Dense: By using a variety of vegetables in the skillet, you’re adding essential vitamins and minerals to your meal. These nutrients support overall wellness and contribute to a balanced diet.
Tips for Making the Perfect Skillet Meal
To make your cooking experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, consider these tips:
- Prep Ahead of Time: Cut the chicken and bacon in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This prep work saves time when you’re ready to cook and allows you to get dinner on the table quickly.
- Use a Large Skillet: A large skillet ensures that all ingredients cook evenly and have enough space to brown nicely. This enhances the flavors and texture of the dish.
- Keep Paleo Ranch Dressing on Hand: Having Paleo Ranch Dressing ready to go means one less thing to prepare. This dressing adds a creamy, flavorful element to the dish, tying all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the skillet. Bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach are great options that complement the flavors of chicken and bacon.
Versatility in Preparation
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you adhere strictly to paleo guidelines or allow for some flexibility with dairy, this dish can be adjusted to suit your preferences:
Paleo Version: For a strict paleo version, omit any cheese and use a dairy-free ranch dressing. The flavors of the chicken, bacon, and vegetables combined with the ranch dressing create a rich and satisfying meal without the need for dairy.
Primal Version: If you include some dairy in your diet, adding a bit of cheese can enhance the dish. A sprinkle of cheddar or a dollop of creamy cheese adds a delicious, melty texture that many people enjoy.
A Quick and Satisfying Summer Meal
This Paleo Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet is designed for those busy summer nights when you want to spend as little time as possible in the kitchen. The recipe is straightforward, with minimal prep work and quick cooking time, allowing you to enjoy your meal without sacrificing time outdoors.
Cooking Outdoors: If you prefer, you can adapt this recipe for outdoor cooking. Use a cast-iron skillet on the grill for a smoky flavor that adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the skillet meal with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to keep it light and nutritious. You can also pair it with cauliflower rice or a simple avocado salad for a complete meal.
Enjoying the Best of Both Worlds
With this Paleo Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet, you don’t have to choose between cooking a healthy meal and enjoying the summer weather. The quick preparation and cooking time mean you can have a nutritious, delicious dinner on the table in no time, leaving you more moments to savor the long summer evenings.
Embrace the ease and flavor of this skillet meal, and make it a staple in your summer cooking repertoire. Whether you go strictly paleo or add a touch of cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet
There are two ways to make this dinner: paleo or primal. We are not hard and fast on the no-dairy rule in paleo. We avoid nearly all dairy, but on occasion we will eat some cheese or use butter in cooking. Feel free to leave out the cheese if dairy bothers you. It's all good.
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken Thighs, boneless, skinless
- 12 Slices Uncured Bacon
- Paleo Ranch Dressing, as much or as little as you want
- Grass-Fed Cheddar Cheese, optional, if you're not dairy-free
- Sea Salt, to taste
- Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Using kitchen shears (easiest method) or a knife, cut bacon into small pieces, about 1/2" pieces.
- Place bacon in a large, cold cast iron skillet. Turn heat up to medium and let the bacon pieces cook while stirring occasionally. Cook until it's almost completely cooked, but not too crispy. Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
- While the bacon is cooking, trim the fat from the chicken and cut into bite-size pieces. I love using kitchen shears for this too. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Go a little light on the salt since the bacon will likely be salty enough.
- Add the chicken to the skillet after removing the bacon and cook in the bacon grease left in the pan. Cook until no longer pink. Remove from heat.
- Add the bacon back to the skillet and gently stir to mix the bacon and chicken.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese (if using) on top. Drizzle ranch over the top.
Notes
- Nutritional Facts do not include ranch or cheese, as those amounts will vary based on personal preference.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6Amount Per Serving Calories 394Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 211mgSodium 825mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 45g
Nutrition is calculated by a third party and may not be 100% accurate
David
Monday 24th of July 2017
The Ranch dressing recipe no longer exists.
Kendra Benson
Monday 24th of July 2017
The recipe is still there, but the link was incorrect. I've fixed it, so you should be able to get to the recipe now. Thanks for letting me know.
Amanda
Thursday 22nd of September 2016
We made this for dinner tonight and it is AMAZING!! I added broccoli florets after cooking the chicken, covered, and cooked for 8 minutes. Then did the rest of the recipe. This is truly loved by our whole family. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe:)
Jessica House
Tuesday 28th of April 2015
I put it over Quinoa. It was tasty!
Sarah Thompson
Saturday 6th of December 2014
We eat this one at our house all the time! Love the new recipe layout too.
Rob Benson
Thursday 4th of December 2014
Love this and we don't make it nearly enough.