Cheesy Ranch Meal (Print Version)
Tender chicken breasts topped with ranch-flavored cream cheese, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheddar. A tasty, low-carb dinner choice.
# Ingredients:
01 -
Diced up 4 slices of thick-cut bacon.
02 -
1 tablespoon butter for cooking.
03 -
1 tablespoon vegetable oil for the pan.
04 -
4 chicken breasts (1 pound altogether), flattened to about a quarter-inch thick.
05 -
Fresh ground pepper and salt to season.
06 -
1/2 teaspoon paprika, smoked or sweet—whatever you like.
07 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for flavor.
08 -
4 ounces creamy and softened cream cheese.
09 -
1/4 teaspoon onion powder, just a hint.
10 -
1/4 teaspoon more garlic powder, for mixing.
11 -
1/4 teaspoon dried dill for the mix.
12 -
1/2 teaspoon dried chives for extra flavor.
13 -
4 ounces of shredded cheddar, your choice of sharpness.
14 -
Fresh parsley, chopped up nicely.
15 -
Thin slices of green onions (scallions).
# Steps:
01 -
Set your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9x13 dish and lightly oil it. Cook the bacon bits until crisp and save the drippings.
02 -
Season the flattened chicken with your salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Fry in the bacon grease mixed with oil, about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
03 -
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with onion powder, extra garlic powder, the dill, and dried chives.
04 -
Lay the chicken in the baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top, sprinkle on half the bacon, and cover with shredded cheddar.
05 -
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the chicken cooks through and the cheese gets gooey. Sprinkle the rest of the bacon, parsley, and scallions over the top.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Swap out the herbs and use 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix instead.
02 -
Perfect for a low-carb keto plan with about 4g carbs per serving.
03 -
Both white and yellow cheddar can work here—mix them for a fun twist.