You have that leftover chicken in your fridge just calling your name, don’t you? Listen up, because we’ve got a creamy, bacon-y, totally craveable way for you to transform that chicken into an irresistible dinner. Grab your skillet and get ready to whip up a hearty, satisfying chicken dish smothered in an outrageously delicious ranch and bacon sauce that’s so good, your taste buds will thank you. In just 30 minutes, you can take that sad leftover chicken from blah to bam with our easy Crazy Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken recipe. With only 5 ingredients, you likely have everything on hand to make this drool-worthy chicken that will have your family begging for seconds. Once you mix that crispy bacon and creamy sauce into the chicken, you'll understand why we call this Crazy Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken. This is about to become your new go-to weeknight meal.
Creamy Bacon Ranch Chicken That's Crave-Worthy
This bacon ranch chicken is creamy, cheesy comfort food at its best. Once you make this, you’ll be hooked and craving it again and again.
To get started, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Then, coat them in flour, dip in beaten egg, and dredge in panko bread crumbs seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
Next, fry the breaded chicken breasts in a skillet with oil over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Now for the creamy bacon ranch sauce. Cook the bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease from the skillet.
Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until bubbling, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the chicken broth and half and half and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir in ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped fresh parsley. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and turn to coat in the sauce.
This creamy bacon ranch chicken is meant to be enjoyed family-style. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple salad or steamed broccoli on the side completes the meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until the chicken is warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to the sauce to thin it out. Enjoy!
How to Make the Best Bacon Ranch Chicken
To make crazy creamy bacon ranch chicken, follow these easy steps:
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper.
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
Use your fingers or a spoon to evenly coat each chicken breast with the mayonnaise mixture. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove from oven, top with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy your creamy bacon ranch chicken! The leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Tips:
•For extra flavor, use ranch seasoning in place of the dried herbs.
•Add cooked and chopped bacon to the mayonnaise mixture before pouring over the chicken.
• Top the chicken with your favorite veggies such as broccoli, tomatoes or green onions.
•Serve the chicken on buns for bacon ranch chicken sandwiches.
•Pair the chicken with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, french fries, or a fresh salad.
Ranch Seasoning Mix vs. Ranch Dip Mix
Ranch seasoning mix and ranch dip mix—what’s the difference? At first glance, they seem quite similar. However, there are a few key distinctions between these two popular ranch-flavored products.
Ranch seasoning mix is a dry blend of herbs and spices used to flavor and season foods. It typically contains a blend of dried herbs like dill and oregano, garlic and onion powder, and buttermilk powder or flakes. You mix the dry seasoning with mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt to make a creamy ranch dressing or dip. You can also sprinkle it on foods like chicken wings, french fries or popcorn for extra flavor.
Ranch dip mix, on the other hand, is a pre-made powdered mix that only requires the addition of sour cream or mayonnaise to make a creamy dip or dressing. In addition to the typical ranch herbs and spices, it contains thickeners and emulsifiers to give it a creamy consistency when mixed with dairy products. The powder contains the seasoning as well as the base, so all you need to do is add one ingredient. Ranch dip mix tends to be a bit thicker and tangier than a dressing made from ranch seasoning mix.
Some popular brands of ranch seasoning and dip mixes include Hidden Valley, Club House and McCormick. While pre-made ranch dips and dressings are convenient, using a seasoning or dip mix allows you to control the flavor and consistency to your liking. You can add more or less of the mix depending on how tangy and herby you want your ranch. You can also use non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk yogurt or avocado in place of the sour cream for a vegan-friendly version.
Whether you prefer to use ranch seasoning mix or ranch dip mix, both are easy ways to add flavor to your favorite snacks, appetizers and main dishes. Mix and match to create your own custom blend for a homemade ranch seasoning or dip that’s perfect for you and your family. Your crazy creamy bacon ranch chicken and other recipes will never be the same!
Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly With Bacon Ranch Chicken
With a hearty main dish like bacon ranch chicken, you'll want some simple side dishes to round out the meal without overpowering it. Here are a few options that complement the flavors perfectly:
Roasted or Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes pair excellently with the creamy bacony flavor of the chicken. The starchiness provides a blank canvas for the bold ranch flavors to shine through.
Steamed Broccoli with Garlic
For a balanced healthy side, steamed broccoli florets tossed in a little garlic and olive oil are ideal. The bright green vegetable cuts through the richness and adds freshness. Broccoli contains compounds like sulforaphane that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob brings a touch of smoky sweetness and summery flavor. The natural sugars in corn balance the savory and salty elements of the bacon ranch chicken. Corn is also high in fiber, B vitamins and several minerals.
Green Salad
A simple mixed green salad with veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes makes a light fresh side for the bacon ranch chicken. Top it with a creamy ranch dressing for extra flavor, or a bright vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the main dish. Salad greens provide antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E.
Rice or Quinoa
For a heartier side, rice, quinoa or other whole grains are ideal. Their mild flavor lets the bold bacon ranch flavors shine through while providing a filling base. Whole grains offer a variety of vitamins, minerals and fiber that are important for health.
With a couple of these classic sides, your crazy creamy bacon ranch chicken dinner will be complete. Keep the sides simple since the star of the show is the juicy, flavorful chicken. A chilled glass of crisp white wine or icy cold beer make perfect drink pairings to round out the meal.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Bacon Ranch Chicken
Leftovers are one of the best parts of making Bacon Ranch Chicken! Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. It will last up to 5 days.
To freeze leftovers for up to 3 months:
Allow the chicken to cool, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Clearly label and date the packages so you know exactly how long the chicken has been frozen.
When ready to eat, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it's thawed.
Once thawed, eat the chicken within 3 to 5 days. Do not thaw on the counter—always thaw in the refrigerator.
You can also cook the chicken straight from frozen—just increase the cooking time. Bake at 350 F until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.
For food safety, do not thaw and then re-freeze the chicken. Only thaw what you plan to eat within a few days.
Some other ideas for using up leftovers:
• Chicken salad or wraps: Mix diced chicken with mayonnaise, celery and herbs. Serve in lettuce cups, on bread or in tortillas.
• Quesadillas: Place chicken, cheese, beans, salsa and spices in a tortilla and cook in a skillet until the cheese melts.
• Soup or stew: Simmer the chicken with broth and vegetables like carrots, corn and green beans.
• Fried rice: Stir fry rice, eggs, vegetables and diced chicken for a quick one-pan meal.
• Enchiladas: Roll chicken, cheese, and sauce in tortillas and bake until hot and bubbly.
• Pizza or pasta: Top pizza, flatbread or pasta with alfredo or marinara sauce and shredded or diced chicken.
With some creative recipes, you’ll be enjoying your Bacon Ranch Chicken leftovers for days! Store what you can’t eat right away—you’ll be happy you have it on hand for easy lunches, dinners or snacks.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Have some burning questions about this crazy creamy bacon ranch chicken recipe? We've got you covered.
Do I have to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a nice tangy creaminess, but you can substitute 1 cup milk or yogurt plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then use in place of the buttermilk.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work in a pinch, but chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes since they cook faster. Be very careful not to overcook the chicken.
What kind of bacon should I use?
Thick-cut bacon works best in this recipe. Standard strip bacon or bacon bits can be used, but may become overly crispy during baking. For extra bacon flavor, use maple-cured or honey-cured bacon.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken up to 1 day in advance. Store the coated chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bake as directed, increasing the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. You can also bake the chicken and ranch sauce ahead, then reheat everything together in the oven at 350 F until the chicken is heated through.
What sides go well with this chicken?
Some delicious side options include:
• Mashed potatoes - To soak up the creamy sauce, mashed potatoes are perfect.
• Rice - Fluffy white rice, wild rice or rice pilaf make a simple side. • Roasted broccoli - Nutritious broccoli roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper. • Salad - A simple green salad with ranch dressing is all you need.
• Corn on the cob - Grilled corn on the cob for a touch of summer.
With these helpful tips and recipe suggestions, you'll be making crazy creamy bacon ranch chicken in no time! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Recipe Notes:
When making this creamy bacon ranch chicken, there are a few tips to keep in mind for the best results:
Use thick cut bacon
Thick cut bacon holds up better in the oven and provides more flavor to the dish. Regular sliced bacon can get too crispy and burn before the chicken is done cooking. Look for bacon that’s at least 1/4-inch thick.
Don’t overcook the chicken
The chicken only needs to bake until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Be careful not to overbake the chicken or it can become dry. Check on the chicken after about 25 minutes to see how it’s progressing. The chicken is done when the juices run clear.
Make the sauce creamy
For an ultra creamy sauce, use heavy whipping cream. Half and half or milk will work in a pinch but won’t provide the same rich and silky texture. Simmer the sauce for just a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. Don’t over simmer the sauce or it can curdle.
Serve with a veggie side
This bacon ranch chicken dish pairs well with a simple side of roasted or steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. A crisp salad also makes a great accompaniment. The fresh veggies help balance out the richness of the creamy sauce.
Leftovers
Leftover bacon ranch chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until the chicken is warmed through. The sauce may separate a bit as it sits, so give it a quick whisk to recombine before serving. Enjoy your leftovers - this dish is even better the next day!
Making a few minor tweaks and paying close attention while cooking can take this crazy creamy bacon ranch chicken from good to great. Follow these tips and you’ll have a memorable, delicious dinner that your family will surely love and request again.
Nutrition
Crazy creamy bacon ranch chicken is comfort food at its finest. While rich and satisfying, it can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the nutritional highlights to keep in mind:
###Protein. Chicken is a lean meat that provides around 25 grams of protein per 4 ounce serving. The bacon also adds some protein. Eating adequate protein is important for muscle health, bone strength and keeping you feeling full.
###Healthy fats. The mayonnaise and ranch dressing provide heart-healthy fats like olive oil. Fats help your body absorb certain nutrients and give food more flavor. Just watch your portion sizes, as too many fats can be unhealthy.
###Carbohydrates. The biscuits, like most breads, are high in carbs. Carbohydrates give you energy and the fiber in whole wheat biscuits aids digestion. Limit yourself to 1-2 biscuits to avoid excess carbs.
###Sodium. With bacon, ranch dressing and cheese, this dish is on the higher end for sodium. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure or fluid retention in some people. If you have sodium sensitivities, use low-sodium or salt-free ingredients when possible or keep portions moderate.
###Calories. A single serving of creamy bacon ranch chicken can clock in around 500-700 calories depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes. While satisfying, keep an eye on calories and avoid going back for seconds to prevent weight gain.
Overall, crazy creamy bacon ranch chicken can absolutely be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and as an occasional treat. Enjoy your comfort food! But for everyday eating, pair it with lots of veggies, watch your portion sizes and choose lighter cooking methods some of the time. Your body and taste buds will thank you.
Conclusion
And that's how you make an insanely delicious bacon ranch chicken that your whole family will go crazy for. With crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a rich and creamy sauce, this dish really brings the flavors. The best part is how easy it is - just bake everything together in one pan and dinner is served. Now that you've got the recipe and tips to make this sensational chicken, you've got your next crowd-pleasing family meal. Go ahead and get cooking so you can sink your teeth into this crazy creamy bacon ranch chicken! You know your kids will be begging you to make this again and again.