Ranch Chicken and Rice Skillet Dinner

I love skillet meals like this, you get your meat, grain and veggies all in one dish. Plus look at that pop of color, makes me even more anxious for spring and the soon-to-be abundance of fresh produce. Take a closer look....

Doesn't that look good?! Let me tell you, it sure was. Besides being a quick and easy meal, you can use whatever veggies you happen to have sitting in your fridge. I hate letting them go to waste so this is a perfect way to use them up. I like to get the kids involved with meals like this, I can give them a butter knife and let them cut up the bell peppers. When they're busy helping I always feel like they eat just a little better, plus they especially love sneaking pepper slices and carrot sticks.

Ranch Chicken and Rice Skillet Dinner

Ingredients:
1 c white or brown rice, prepared
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 packet ranch dressing mix
2 tbsp olive oil
3 c fresh spinach, chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced  (can use any color)
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c grated mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Season both sides of chicken with a little bit of the ranch mix and place on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 mins or until chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add in spinach, carrot, bell pepper and garlic. Cook while stirring for about 7-8 minutes or until tender. Add the cooked rice, season mixture with salt, pepper and the remaining ranch mix. Reduce heat and stir to combine. Cut chicken into small chunks and add to rice mixture. Add in mozzarella cheese and stir to combine. Let cheese melt into mixture and serve warm.

Adapted from: Picky Palate Cookbook