Description
This Cheesy Bacon Ranch recipe features juicy, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a skillet with crispy bacon and melted mozzarella cheese, delivering a savory and comforting dish ideal for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Poultry
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 3/4 lbs.)
Seasonings & Spices
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp ranch seasoning
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon, flipping once, until crispy, about 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess fat. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ranch seasoning ensuring all sides are well coated.
- Cook Chicken: Return the skillet with the reserved bacon fat to medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown on one side, approximately 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for another 6-7 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over each chicken breast and crumble the cooked bacon on top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to allow the cheese to melt, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and fully melted, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ranch seasoning with homemade ranch powder if preferred.
- For crispier bacon, cook it separately in the oven before adding to the chicken.
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked safely and remains juicy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 489
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
