Description
Enjoy a mouthwatering Bacon Ranch Chicken Melt with juicy chicken breasts topped with creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all on toasted bread. Perfect for a hearty dinner or cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or ciabatta recommended)
- Butter for spreading on the bread
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine ranch dressing with crumbled bacon and stir until evenly mixed.
- Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the ranch and bacon mixture.
- Take the skillet out of the oven once the chicken is cooked through.
- Spoon the ranch, bacon, and cheese mixture over each chicken breast.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place a slice of toasted bread on each plate and top with a bacon ranch chicken breast.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.
- Serve immediately with a side salad or crispy fries.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier option; adjust cooking time as needed.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a classic gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes