Bacon Ranch chicken
Bacon Ranch Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring turkey bacon wrapped chicken breasts smothered in creamy ranch dressing and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices turkey bacon
- 1 cup ranch dressing choose your favorite brand or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a nice sear on the chicken.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of each chicken breast. Set aside.
Step 3: Wrap Chicken with Turkey Bacon
- Lay out two slices of turkey bacon for each chicken breast. Place the seasoned chicken breast on the bacon slices and carefully wrap the bacon around the chicken, securing if needed with toothpicks.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the bacon is crispy and the chicken has a golden crust.
Step 5: Add Ranch and Cheese
- Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon ranch dressing generously over each chicken breast, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the toothpicks if used. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Equipment
- Oven
- Oven-safe skillet
- Small Bowl
- Toothpicks
Notes
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a better sear and flavor. Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the chicken to another dish for baking. If you don’t have turkey bacon, you can substitute with a -certified smoked turkey or chicken bacon. For a creamier texture, add a dollop of cream cheese to the ranch dressing before spreading it over the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in the juices. Feel free to double the recipe for larger gatherings—just use a bigger skillet or bake in batches.