Description
This Baked Ranch Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts infused with a creamy, garlicky ranch mixture, topped with melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and crispy bacon. Baked to perfection, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Ranch Mixture
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning (1 packet)
Chicken and Toppings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided: ¾ cup + ¼ cup)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: ¾ cup + ¼ cup)
- ½ onion, diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Make Ranch Mixture by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, olive oil, and ranch seasoning in a medium bowl. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
- Combine Filling by stirring in ¾ of the crumbled bacon, ¾ cup cheddar cheese, ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, and all of the diced onion into the ranch mixture. Set aside.
- Prepare Chicken by placing one chicken breast on a plate and cutting deep holes into it with a knife. Spread the ranch mixture evenly on and inside the chicken, pushing some into the holes.
- Arrange Chicken in the prepared baking dish, repeating the ranch spreading process with all chicken breasts.
- Top Chicken by sprinkling the remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese, ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, and leftover bacon crumbles over the chicken. Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake Covered for 20 minutes in the preheated oven to allow the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered by removing the foil and baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and turns light golden brown.
- Rest and Serve the chicken for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and additional bacon if desired.
Notes
- Cutting holes into the chicken allows more ranch mixture flavor to penetrate the meat.
- Loosely covering the dish with foil during the first bake helps keep chicken moist.
- Cooking bacon ahead of time adds a crispy texture and smoky flavor to the dish.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain juices for a tender bite.
- Use fresh garlic and quality ranch seasoning for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
