Description
Cheesy Bacon Ranch is a deliciously savory dish featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked in crispy bacon fat, seasoned with ranch spices, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Bacon
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 3/4 lbs.)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp ranch seasoning
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices, flipping once, until they are crispy, about 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Prepare the Skillet: Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat from the skillet to retain flavor for cooking the chicken while preventing excess grease.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ranch seasoning for a balanced and savory flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Return the skillet to medium-high heat, add the seasoned chicken breasts, and cook them, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. This should take approximately 20 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. Crumble the crispy bacon and scatter it over the melted cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt over medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes until bubbly and creamy.
- Serve: Once the cheese has melted and the bacon is warmed through, remove from the skillet and serve immediately while hot and delicious.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- If you prefer, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, then add cheese and bacon and bake an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Use low-sodium bacon and control salt levels for a healthier option.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 489
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
