Cream Cheese Ranch Chicken with Bacon and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs)
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- ½ tsp onion powder (or more to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or more to taste)
- 1 ½ to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled (or about ½ cup real bacon bits)
Instructions:
- Prep your ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook your bacon slices until crispy, then crumble and set aside (or use bacon bits).
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature so it’s easier to spread.
- Prepare the chicken:
- Place the uncooked chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Spread the cream cheese:
- Using a spoon or spatula, spread a generous amount of softened cream cheese over each chicken breast. Make sure each piece is fully covered with a thick layer.
- Tip: If the cream cheese is still firm, microwave it for about 15 seconds to soften further.
- Season the chicken:
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing powder evenly over the cream cheese-covered chicken.
- Lightly dust each piece with onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Add the cheese:
- Pile the shredded cheese over each chicken breast. You can go light or heavy here—whatever fits your taste! More cheese equals extra deliciousness.
- Top with bacon:
- Generously sprinkle the crumbled bacon (or bacon bits) over the cheese. Don’t be shy—bacon adds a perfect crunch and flavor.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake at 375°F for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the bacon should be crispy on top.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
This recipe is all about « eyeballing it » for your personal taste, so don’t stress over exact measurements. Just make sure the chicken is fully coated and seasoned to your liking. You’ll have a creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled delight!