This cheesy bacon ranch chicken is what dreams are made of! With flavors of creamy ranch, savory bacon, and juicy chicken, this is an easy meal that the whole family can get behind.
In a large cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium-low heat until brown and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Discard bacon drippings, leaving about ½ tablespoon in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium.
6 slices raw bacon
While the bacon is frying, slice the chicken in half horizontally, creating 4 thin cutlets. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour and ranch seasoning. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, coating both sides.
¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ ounce ranch seasoning
Turn up the heat to medium-high, then add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Sear the chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and mostly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic to the skillet and brown for 30 seconds. Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom, and allow the liquid to simmer and reduce by half. Whisk in the heavy cream, bring the sauce to a simmer, then return the chicken to the skillet.
1 teaspoon minced garlic, ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth, ¼ cup heavy cream
Sprinkle the chicken with the cheese, cover the skillet, and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
1½ cups freshly shredded colby jack cheese
Serve over your favorite side, topped with cooked bacon and green onions.
chopped green onions
Notes
In place of the bacon, try pancetta!
In place of the chicken breasts you could use chicken thighs.
For a gluten-free dish, swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
You can swap the butter for oil or more bacon grease.
You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Feel free to swap the Colby jack cheese out for classic cheddar.
If you find that the heavy cream is curdling, your pan is likely too hot! Try whisking it in slowly off the heat.
Storage: Store cheesy bacon ranch chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.