Easy Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken | Keto-Friendly Dinner
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of thick-cut bacon
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (approx. 1 3/4 lb.)
- Salt (kosher)
- Black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 teaspoons of Ranch seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- Freshly chopped chives for decorating
Instructions
Step 1
Place your large skillet over medium heat and lay in the bacon strips. Let them sizzle, flipping them just once, for about 8 minutes until they are perfectly crispy and golden brown. Move the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the extra grease. Carefully pour out the rendered fat from your pan, but make sure you leave about 2 tablespoons behind to give your chicken a delicious, smoky base.
Step 2
Start by sprinkling a generous pinch of salt and pepper over both sides of your chicken breasts. Once they're seasoned, put your skillet back over medium-high heat until the pan is nice and hot. Carefully place the chicken in the pan and let it sear without moving it too much. We want to see a beautiful, golden-brown crust forming on the outside, which usually takes about 6 minutes per side. Flip the breasts and continue cooking until they are just done through. You'll know they're ready when the meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 3
Turn your burner down to medium heat so we don't overcook the meat. Evenly sprinkle your ranch seasoning over each piece of chicken, then pile on the mozzarella until the chicken is well-covered. Pop the lid on your skillet to trap the heat inside. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble.
Step 4
Now for the finishing touches! Take your crispy bacon and crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife. Scatter the bacon bits and a generous pinch of fresh, chopped chives over the melted cheese. Give it a quick look to make sure everything is evenly distributed before you serve it up.
Nutrition Information
My Tip
To keep your chicken breasts juicy, try pounding them to an even thickness before searing. This ensures every piece cooks through at the same time so the mozzarella melts perfectly without overcooking the meat.
Leftovers
Pop any leftover chicken into a sealed glass container for up to four days to keep that cheesy topping moist. We recommend reheating in the oven at 350°F until the mozzarella is bubbly and melted again.
Make It Your Own
Try swapping the mozzarella for shredded sharp cheddar to give the dish a bolder, tangier kick. It pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and creamy ranch seasoning.
