Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Dried parsley, for seasoning
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease
- Ranch dressing, for drizzling
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Bacon:
- In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside the cooked bacon and reserve about two tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Season each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried parsley on both sides.
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, sear the chicken breasts over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Arrange Chicken in Baking Pan:
- Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking pan.
- Drizzle with Ranch:
- Drizzle a generous amount of ranch dressing over each chicken breast. Use enough to coat the surface.
- Add Cheese and Bacon:
- Sprinkle a mix of shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast.
- Crumble the cooked bacon, placing some under the cheese and some on top.
- Bake:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the Bacon Ranch Cheese Chicken hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
- Optional:
- Customize your dish by adding additional toppings like sliced green onions or diced tomatoes before serving.
This Bacon Ranch Cheese Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish with the perfect combination of savory bacon, creamy ranch, and gooey melted cheese. Enjoy! 🥓🧀🍗
Q1: Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
A1: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe for a quicker cook time, you can certainly use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Q2: What can I substitute for ranch dressing if I don’t have any?
A2: If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can substitute it with a homemade ranch seasoning mix combined with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Alternatively, you can use a creamy Caesar dressing for a different flavor twist.
Q3: Can I use pre-cooked bacon for convenience?
A3: Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon to save time. Simply crumble it and use it as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that freshly cooked bacon may provide a slightly different texture and flavor.
Q4: How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?
A4: The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken breasts.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A5: While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before baking. Store the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese separately in the refrigerator.
Q6: What sides pair well with Bacon Ranch Cheese Chicken?
A6: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Choose sides that complement the richness of the bacon, ranch, and cheese.
