Chicken Bacon Ranch Recipe

Looking for a dish that's bursting with flavor? This chicken bacon ranch recipe is a perfect combination of tender chicken breast and crispy bacon, all drizzled with creamy ranch dressing. Whether you're looking for a quick meal for the family or a dish that pleases everyone at a gathering, this chicken bacon ranch is a guaranteed winner. You can bake it, or for a juicier result, use a cast iron skillet to sear the chicken first. This recipe is versatile—you can turn it into a bacon ranch chicken bake or even make a slow-cooked version in the crock pot. The possibilities are endless when it comes to bacon ranch chicken combinations. Plus, this easy-to-follow guide ensures a perfect result every time.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for a quicker cook, but you can also use chicken thighs.
• Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for a crispy texture.
• Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade ranch. It brings that classic ranch bacon wrapped chicken flavor to life.
• Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra richness.
• Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, and a little paprika bring great flavor to this chicken with bacon and ranch dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

• Step 1: Prep the Chicken
• Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken breast with garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is a crucial step in getting flavorful cast iron chicken.
• Step 2: Cook the Bacon
• In a cast iron skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain it on a paper towel. Set aside the bacon grease for later.
• Step 3: Sear the Chicken
• Using the same cast iron skillet, sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This helps lock in flavor before baking.
• Step 4: Layer Ingredients
• Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Top each with a spoonful of ranch dressing and crumbled bacon. If you like, sprinkle some cheese on top for an extra creamy touch.
• Step 5: Bake
• Bake the chicken bacon ranch in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Step 6: Serve
• Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Pro Tips

• Use a cast iron skillet for the perfect sear on your chicken breast cast iron skillet recipe.
• For added flavor, marinate the chicken in ranch for an hour before cooking.
• This recipe can also be made in a crock pot for a slow-cooked, tender meal. Simply layer the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.