Baked Ranch Chicken with Bacon (Chicken Bacon Ranch) Recipe

The Most Flavorful Baked Ranch Chicken with Bacon Recipe

Ranch-infused chicken blends perfectly with crispy bacon for a mouthwatering dinner sensation.

Succulent meat gets coated in tangy seasoning that brings incredible flavor to your plate.

Crisp bacon adds a salty crunch that makes every bite irresistible.

Simple ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Home cooks adore this easy recipe that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare.

Comfort food meets gourmet cooking in this delectable dish that promises to satisfy your hunger.

You won’t be able to resist trying this delicious chicken masterpiece tonight.

Bacon Ranch Chicken That Delivers Crunch and Creaminess

  • Quick Cooking Magic: With just 25-30 minutes of baking time, you'll have a mouthwatering main dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal everyone will love.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The combination of creamy ranch, savory bacon, and melted Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates at the dinner table.
  • Simple Ingredient Elegance: Using common pantry staples and just a few steps, this recipe proves gourmet-tasting meals can be achieved with minimal cooking skills and everyday ingredients.

Chicken Bacon Ranch (Baked) Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that serves as the base of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Dressing, Sour Cream: Creamy combination that adds tangy richness and helps keep chicken moist, choose high-quality brands for best flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that provides depth and creates a golden crust, freshly grated preferred over pre-packaged.
  • Bacon Crumbles: Adds smoky, crispy texture and intense savory flavor, can use pre-cooked or crisp your own bacon.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for better flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for garnish that adds color and light herbal notes, optional but recommended.

Ranch Chicken with Bacon Oven Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect warm environment for your chicken masterpiece.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Coating

In a mixing bowl, combine these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Ranch dressing
  • Sour cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until you create a smooth, tangy mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Nestle the chicken breasts into a baking dish, positioning them for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 4: Lavish with Flavor

Generously spread the creamy Ranch mixture over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring every inch gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping

Sprinkle these mouthwatering extras over the chicken:
  • Remaining Parmesan cheese
  • Crispy bacon crumbles

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it cook for 25-30 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked through and has a golden, appetizing appearance.

Step 7: Final Touch

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra fresh flavor before serving.

Oven Tips for Bacon Ranch Chicken

  • Opt for full-fat ranch dressing to ensure a creamy, luxurious coating that adds depth to the chicken's flavor profile.
  • Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before baking to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Cook bacon crisp beforehand and crumble it, which prevents soggy bacon and allows for more consistent texture on top of the chicken.
  • Remove excess moisture from chicken breasts with paper towels to help the ranch mixture adhere better and create a more appetizing golden-brown top.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from oven, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat tender and succulent.

Ranch Chicken with Bacon Storage

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, where chicken will maintain quality for up to 3 months.
  • Warm chicken at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to ensure even warming without overcooking.

What Goes With Chicken Bacon Ranch

  • Enhance Creamy Ranch Chicken with Perfect Pairings
  • Serve Crisp Green Salad: Light, tangy mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette balance the rich, creamy chicken and cut through its heaviness.
  • Match with Roasted Garlic Potato Wedges: Crispy, golden potato sides complement the ranch flavors and provide a satisfying starchy accompaniment.
  • Pour Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, acidic white wine with herbal notes perfectly matches the ranch dressing's tanginess and cuts through the dish's richness.
  • Add Buttery Steamed Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable adds nutritional balance and a clean, tender texture that contrasts the chicken's creamy coating.

Ranch Chicken with Bacon Savory Types

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream and ranch dressing with coconut yogurt and dairy-free ranch seasoning. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Swap chicken breasts with thin-sliced turkey breast or chicken thighs. Use Greek yogurt and homemade ranch seasoning to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced green chilies, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika to the ranch mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Adaptation: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano into the ranch mixture. Replace bacon with crispy prosciutto for an Italian-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade ranch dressing instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade ranch dressing works perfectly and can actually enhance the flavor of the dish with fresher ingredients.

  • Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time since they might take slightly longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.

  • How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

You can reduce calories by using low-fat ranch dressing, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken with ranch mixture and bacon in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

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Baked Ranch Chicken with Bacon (Chicken Bacon Ranch) Recipe

Baked Ranch Chicken with Bacon (Chicken Bacon Ranch) Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent ranch chicken with bacon elevates weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Rich flavors blend perfectly, promising a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Dairy:

  • 1 1/2 cups ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 11 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly grated black pepper
  • Diced fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a precise temperature of 375 degrees fahrenheit, preparing a suitable baking vessel for the culinary creation.
  2. Craft a luxurious coating by whisking together the creamy ranch dressing, tangy sour cream, rich parmesan cheese, and delicate seasoning of salt and pepper until smoothly combined.
  3. Carefully arrange the raw chicken breasts within the prepared baking dish, ensuring even placement for consistent cooking.
  4. Generously lavish the ranch mixture across the surface of each chicken breast, creating a thick, appetizing layer that will infuse flavor and moisture.
  5. Artfully scatter the remaining parmesan cheese over the coated chicken, creating a delectable golden-brown topping.
  6. Sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles strategically across the surface, adding a savory crunch and smoky dimension to the dish.
  7. Transfer the prepared dish into the preheated oven and allow the chicken to roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature and develops a tempting golden exterior.
  8. Once fully cooked, retrieve the dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, providing a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous freshness.
  9. Let the chicken rest momentarily before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even coating and better flavor absorption.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before applying the ranch mixture to help seasoning stick better.
  • Slice chicken breasts of similar thickness for uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1100 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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