Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken (Printable View)
Tender chicken baked with cream cheese, ranch, cheddar, and bacon for a comforting low-carb dinner.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 6 slices bacon
→ Dairy
03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Vegetables & Herbs
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
08 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Optional Garnishes
09 - Fresh chives, chopped
10 - Extra shredded cheddar cheese
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble into pieces once cooled.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each breast, covering completely.
05 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer, then top evenly with the crumbled bacon pieces.
06 - Bake for 25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
07 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions, additional shredded cheese, and fresh chives if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The cream cheese mixture keeps the chicken incredibly moist even if you accidentally leave it in five extra minutes
- Everything cooks in one pan and the cleanup is so minimal you might think you forgot something
02 -
- Chicken breasts vary wildly in size so check for doneness with a meat thermometer rather than relying on time alone
- The cheese will keep bubbling for several minutes after you pull it from the oven so let it rest briefly before serving
03 -
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup imaginable
- Double the bacon and crumble the extra on top of individual servings