Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken (Print Version)

Chicken breasts in creamy ranch sauce with cheddar, bacon, and fresh herbs—easy, rich, and full of flavor.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 6 slices bacon

→ Dairy Components

03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Flavorings and Seasonings

06 - 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

→ Fresh Produce

10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish

→ Pantry Staples

11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Directions:

01 - In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until uniformly crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon. Reserve approximately 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in the skillet, discarding the excess.
02 - Evenly season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
03 - Add the olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown crust and ensuring they are nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
04 - Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it is fully melted and forms a smooth base.
05 - Incorporate the heavy cream and dry ranch seasoning mix into the skillet. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well combined and begins to thicken slightly, continuing this process for approximately 2 minutes.
06 - Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon additional sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and allow to simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
07 - Evenly distribute the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Cover the skillet once more and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
08 - Before serving, generously garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients most home cooks already have
  • One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup
  • Versatile enough to pair with countless side dishes
  • Naturally gluten-free with the right ranch mix
02 -
  • Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully
  • Contains approximately 540 calories per serving
  • Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly
  • Great for impressing dinner guests with minimal effort
  • Can be adapted for various dietary needs with simple swaps
03 -
  • Sauce too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or whisk in a small amount of softened cream cheese.
  • Sauce too thick? Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
  • Chicken cooking unevenly? Pound thicker breasts to even thickness before cooking, or butterfly very large pieces.
  • Sauce breaking or curdling? This usually happens when heat is too high. Lower the temperature and gently whisk to recombine.
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