Bacon Ranch Chicken
Chicken bacon ranch made with ranch-coated chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. An easy baked dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings: 4
Equipment
- 9x13 Casserole dish
- Non-stick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (3-4 breasts)
- ½ Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 pound raw bacon (about 12 slices)
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2 Tablespoons sliced chives
Instructions
- Prepare your oven and dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the chicken. Add your chicken to the dish and sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning.
- Add the ranch. Spread an even layer of the ranch dressing over the chicken breasts.
- Layer the bacon. Reserve about 4 slices of bacon and drape the remaining bacon over each chicken breast.
- Cook. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F and the bacon is cooked.
- Crisp the remaining bacon. While baking, cook your 4 slices of bacon in a small skillet until crispy and set aside.
- Melt the cheese. Turn your oven off and remove the dish. Sprinkle the Colby Jack evenly over the chicken and return it to the oven for 5-10 minutes or until he cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve. Garnish with sliced chives and crumble the crispy bacon over the top. Serve warm.
Notes
Storage Instructions:
If you have leftover bacon ranch chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How can I reheat this dish?
To reheat your bacon ranch chicken, place it into an oven-safe dish and pour just a splash of broth or water into the bottom of the dish to keep it juicy. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, for 1 ½ - 2 minutes on high or until heated throughout.
Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it?
This bacon ranch chicken freezes and thaws well, so it’s a great recipe to add to your freezer prep list. Make the chicken in a disposable 9x13 dish according to the instructions, but don’t top with cheese. Cool to room temperature, cover with foil or the lid to the dish, and freeze for up to 3 months. The night before you plan to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator. Top with cheese and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
