This baked ranch chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Easy ranch chicken breast is topped with ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and crispy bacon. What’s not to love about that? Ranch flavors are definitely reader favorites here at Wholesome Yum (who doesn’t like chicken bacon ranch casserole, slow cooker crack chicken, and cheesy ranch dip?!), so this cheesy bacon ranch chicken fits right in. With only 4 common ingredients that you probably have in your fridge and a such a popular flavor profile, the whole family is going to love this dish. This is one of the few chicken breast recipes where I don’t find it necessary to brine the chicken first. Smothering it with ranch, cheese and bacon is more than sufficient to keep it moist. But, if you’re curious or want to try my brine technique prior to cooking, it never hurts. You can learn about it in my basic baked chicken breast recipe.
How To Make Baked Ranch Chicken
You’ll love this baked chicken with ranch dressing! Here’s how to make it:
Season chicken. Place chicken breasts into a stoneware baking dish, and season with salt and pepper. Add ranch. Spread ranch dressing all over the chicken breasts.
Add cheese. Top the chicken evenly with fresh mozzarella.
TIP: Feel free to experiment with any cheese you like! Cheddar or jack cheeses would also be delicious.
Bake chicken. Cover the baking dish with foil, making sure it’s not touching the cheese, and bake. Take it out to remove the foil about halfway through – see below. Add bacon and finish baking. Remove the foil, sprinkle with chopped cooked bacon, and bake uncovered, until cooked through.
FYI: Wondering why we only add bacon halfway through? It’s so that it doesn’t slide off. I tested this ranch chicken recipe with the bacon on there from the start, and much of it ended up off the chicken. You can definitely put it back on after if you want, but by placing it closer to the end, it stays on and stays crispy.
Rest and garnish. Let the chicken rest, then drizzle with more ranch and a sprinkle of parsley, if you like.
Can you bake chicken with ranch dressing?
Of course! This keto cheesy bacon ranch chicken will show you that you can, and that it’s delicious!
Is cheesy bacon ranch chicken keto?
Yes, since this is baked ranch chicken without breadcrumbs, it’s naturally low carb. In fact, this cheesy chicken dinner has just 2.2 grams net carbs per serving. But if that’s not important, don’t even think about it: everyone would enjoy it, even without any special requirements.
Can you use chicken thighs?
Yes, you can! You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on their thickness, and whether you use bone-in chicken thighs or boneless. You’ll want to keep the foil on until 10-15 minutes before they are done.
How to tell when ranch chicken is done?
The most reliable way is to use an instant read meat thermometer, or a probe thermometer (this will beep when it reaches the right temperature!).
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Storage Instructions
Can you make it ahead?
This baked ranch chicken without breadcrumbs is best made fresh, but you can prep this dish ahead to make it come together quickly:
Make ranch dressing. Use my ranch dressing recipe. Cook bacon and chop. The quickest way is bacon in the oven.
How to store baked ranch chicken breast
Store this ranch chicken in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Can you freeze it?
You can try freezing this ranch chicken, but the texture of the ranch might change a bit, so it’s not recommended. It’s so quick anyway, you might as well make it fresh!
Reheating instructions for oven baked ranch chicken
If you have leftover baked ranch chicken breast, reheat it in a 350 degree F oven for best results, but the microwave works fine, too.
What To Serve With Ranch Chicken
In my opinion, creamy ranch chicken breast pairs perfectly with simple vegetable side dishes. Try it with:
Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash – For a healthier low carb pasta and chicken dish. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These take about the same amount of time as oven baked ranch chicken, so they are perfect to place in the oven side-by-side. Sauteed Broccoli or Sauteed Zucchini – You can make either of these sides in parallel, while you have the ranch chicken in the oven. Classic Wedge Salad – You can never have too much bacon, am I right? Cauliflower Mac And Cheese – If you’re really a cheese lover (like me!), pair your cheesy baked chicken with an equally gooey side. Broccoli Salad With Bacon – This crisp salad has double the bacon for double the flavor!
More Cheesy Chicken Recipes
If you like this baked ranch chicken recipe, you might also like some of my other chicken dinner recipes:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – If you like this bacon ranch chicken, you’ll love the same flavors in a casserole, with veggies added. Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken – Crispy prosciutto on the outside; goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs on the inside. So good. Keto Chicken Parmesan – Crispy breading, a layer of cheese, and flavorful marinara make this simple chicken meal a family favorite. Jalapeno Popper Hasselback Chicken – This dinner has so much flavor, it’s hard to believe it takes just 5 ingredients to make. Chicken Bacon Ranch Wraps – You’ll be surprised what we’re using to wrap these!
Stoneware Baking Dish – This baking dish can take this ranch dressing chicken recipe from oven to table and will last for years. Instant Read Meat Thermometer – Easily tell if your chicken bacon ranch bake is cooked through. This is my favorite one, as it reads super quickly.
Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too - I’d love to see it!
