The best Bacon Ranch Chicken recipe
Bacon Ranch Chicken offers a delicious combination of tender chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and crispy bacon. This easy-to-make dish brings comfort and flavor, ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
The sauce is the star, combining cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning, delivering a zesty yet savory profile. Topped with melted cheddar and bacon, it’s a flavor-packed meal.
Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a well-rounded meal everyone will love. It’s the perfect balance of rich flavors and textures, guaranteed to please any palate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Ingredients
The creamy base of this dish starts with rich cream of chicken soup, lending a savory foundation. Milk and sour cream work together to create a smooth, tangy sauce, while chicken broth adds depth.
Ranch seasoning mix brings the zesty kick, balanced by the earthiness of parsley and the subtle warmth of mustard powder. Onion powder completes the flavor profile, ensuring a perfectly seasoned sauce.
Crispy bacon adds irresistible crunch and smokiness, while tender chicken breasts absorb the sauce, offering a succulent, juicy bite. Fresh green onions provide a pop of color and sharpness to finish the dish beautifully.
Recipe Tips
- Searing the Chicken Perfectly: For the best texture and flavor, sear the chicken on medium-high heat until a golden crust forms. This step is crucial for locking in juices, ensuring the chicken remains tender and juicy throughout. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Flavor Depth with Bacon Drippings: Don’t discard the bacon drippings after cooking the bacon—use them to brush onto the chicken before searing. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds richness and a smoky note that complements the ranch sauce beautifully.
- Control the Salt Levels: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium versions of both cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Ranch seasoning already has a salty base, so adjusting the sodium content in the rest of the ingredients helps keep the dish well-balanced without being overly salty.
What to Serve with Bacon Ranch Chicken
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side to pair with Bacon Ranch Chicken. The smooth, buttery texture of the potatoes works wonderfully with the zesty, creamy ranch sauce, making it an irresistible combination. For added flavor, try incorporating roasted garlic or fresh herbs into your mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Green Beans: To add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich and creamy chicken, serve with roasted green beans. The slight caramelization from roasting complements the savory flavors of the dish while keeping the meal light and balanced. A touch of lemon zest or toasted almonds can elevate the green beans further.
- Steamed Rice: If you’re in the mood for something simple yet satisfying, steamed rice is an excellent accompaniment. The rice will absorb the delicious ranch sauce, enhancing each bite. Try using jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant touch that pairs seamlessly with the savory elements of the chicken.
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, you can. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken breasts take longer to cook through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I prepare the ranch sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ranch sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, giving you a richer, more developed taste.
3. Is there a substitute for sour cream in the sauce?
If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or even cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and slight tanginess. Both alternatives will still provide a rich, velvety sauce.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the ranch sauce. Alternatively, top the chicken with a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving for an extra layer of heat.
Bacon Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
- Sauce
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup consider a homemade version for enhanced flavor
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix refer to notes for selection tips
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Chicken and Toppings
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6-8 strips bacon cooked and chopped (reserve drippings)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions finely diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, parsley, mustard powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon
- Slice the bacon strips in half and cook them in a large, oven-safe skillet over low heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and reserve the drippings. Once cooled, chop the bacon into pieces.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast lengthwise to create thinner fillets. Cover them with plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat tenderizer until ½-inch thick. Pat dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brush each side with the reserved bacon drippings.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken fillets for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside, wiping any burned residue from the skillet.
- Cook the Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and gradually bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low and return the chicken to the skillet, including any accumulated juices. Spoon sauce over the chicken, partially cover, and let it heat through for an additional 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler to 400°F (or a low broil setting).
- Broil with Toppings
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, followed by the chopped bacon. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2 minutes, or just until the cheese melts. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with diced green onions. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or baked potatoes, accompanied by roasted green beans. Spoon extra sauce over the side dishes for added flavor.
Notes
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: Enhance the flavor profile by using a homemade version. Prepare in batches to freeze for future recipes.
Sodium Control: Opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup to manage salt content.
