Chicken Ranchero

Rule #352: Cleaning one dish is better than cleaning more than one dish.

This little number was inspired by one of our favorite local hangouts: Willie’s Grill & Icehouse. They have a delicious dish called Chicken Ranchero that’s made up of the same basic things in this recipe. This is a perfect meal for a weeknight because it only uses 1 pot and 7 ingredients! It’s also a great dinner to serve to a crowd because it takes very minimal effort to prepare and is a total show stopper.

chicken ranchero

Here’s what we need to make this little number:

chicken breast, EVOO, 1 white onion, 2 jars of salsa, S&P, and a few slices of cheese

chicken ranchero

Plus a little cilantro if you’re hoping for a good ole garnish.

chicken ranchero

Here’s how we make this easy one-pot-wonder:

Heat some olive oil until shimmering over medium-high heat.

chicken ranchero

Sauté onion until cooked through (about 8 minutes).

chicken ranchero

Meanwhile, liberally sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.

chicken ranchero

Once the onion is nice and softened with a little brown color…

chicken ranchero

… move the onion to the sides of the pan. Place the chicken breasts in the center and brown (about 4 minutes per side).

chicken ranchero

Then, cover the chicken with the onions,

chicken ranchero

pour on two jars of your favorite salsa,

chicken ranchero

and top with some slices of cheese. We love to use Monterey Jack, but Swiss works great, too.

chicken ranchero

Cover and bake at 375 for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

chicken ranchero

Ta-daa! There’s one easy, delicious dinner for you. And you’ve only got to clean the one pot! Hello, happy weeknight.

chicken ranchero

We like to have our Chicken Ranchero with this Easy Peasy Mexican Rice and some canned black beans with a little seasoning added. We also will sometimes pair this with a Mexican Veggie Medley.

easy peasy mexican rice

chicken ranchero


Chicken Ranchero

2 tbs. EVOO
1 white onion, sliced
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 jars of your favorite salsa
Monterey Jack cheese slices (Swiss works well, too)

Preheat the oven to 375.

In a large Dutch oven or oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until softened (about 8 minutes). Liberally sprinkle both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Move the cooked onions to the side of the pan, and place the chicken breasts in the center. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides (about 4 minutes per side). Move the onions back on top of the chicken breasts, pour the salsa all over, and cover with cheese slices.

Bake, covered, at 375 for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

Click Here for Printable Recipe: Chicken Ranchero

5 thoughts on “Chicken Ranchero”

    • I actually love the old store brand – we buy the organic H-E-B kind and it’s scrumptious! And yes to the one pot meals! Makes things so much easier!

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