Oh, the joy of a bubbling casserole—like a warm hug on a frosty day! This Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole is a symphony of flavors—crispy bacon playing the lead with creamy ranch whispers in the background. I first stumbled upon this delightful dish when I was trying to impress my picky family, and let me tell you, even the dog wanted seconds.
Steps
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, flipping once until it becomes crispy, which takes about 8 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. On medium-high heat, cook the chicken in the same skillet until each side is golden and cooked through, approximately 6 minutes per side.
- Lower the heat to medium, then sprinkle ranch seasoning over the chicken and add shredded mozzarella on top. Cover the skillet and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, around 5 minutes.
- Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the chicken along with chopped chives before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 3/4 pounds)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped chives, for garnish
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
- Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable, so you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
- Is this dish suitable for a keto diet?
- Yes, this Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken is keto-friendly. It is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- This dish is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that the ranch seasoning you use does not contain any gluten-containing additives.
- What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
- This chicken dish pairs wonderfully with garlicky broccoli rabe or kale, but you can also serve it with your preferred vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- How long does it take to prepare this meal?
- The recipe takes a little over 30 minutes to make, making it an excellent choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Tips
- To ensure the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before adding the cheese and bacon toppings. This will help lock in the juices.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a little ranch dressing for a few hours before cooking. This will enhance the ranch taste and make the chicken even more tender.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or Monterey Jack for a unique twist on this dish. Each cheese will bring its own distinct flavor and texture.
- Save time by cooking the bacon in the oven while you prepare the chicken. This can free up stove space and ensure perfectly crispy bacon every time.
Equipment
- Large skillet with a lid
