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This bacon wrapped ranch chicken transforms simple chicken breasts into a flavor-packed dinner that delivers restaurant quality taste with minimal effort. The combination of smoky bacon and zesty ranch creates an irresistible dish that even picky eaters will devour.
I first made this recipe when hosting an impromptu dinner party with zero time to prepare. The guests raved so much about it that it has become my signature dish whenever anyone comes over. The savory aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes never fails to draw everyone to the table before I even announce dinner.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose organic if possible for the best flavor and texture
- Olive oil: helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist during cooking
- Bacon: select thick cut bacon for the best results as it wraps more securely and renders beautiful fat
- Ranch seasoning: the star ingredient that infuses the chicken with classic tangy herb flavor
- Onion powder: adds depth and subtle sweetness without the texture of fresh onions
- Garlic powder: provides aromatic notes that enhance the overall savory profile
- Paprika: contributes a gorgeous color and mild smoky flavor that complements the bacon
- Salt and black pepper: fundamental seasonings that amplify all other flavors in the dish
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Ranch Chicken
- Prepare the chicken:
- Cut each chicken breast into 3 even strips lengthwise ensuring they are similar in thickness for even cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and use your hands to coat each piece thoroughly. This step is crucial as it helps the seasonings stick and keeps the chicken juicy. Sprinkle both sides generously with ranch seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, pressing gently to adhere.
- Wrap with bacon:
- Take each seasoned chicken strip and wrap a slice of bacon around it in a spiral pattern, slightly overlapping the bacon as you go. The bacon should completely encase the chicken while leaving no large gaps. Secure with toothpicks if needed, though the bacon typically stays in place during cooking.
- Arrange and bake:
- Place the wrapped chicken pieces in a greased 9x13 baking dish, leaving a small space between each piece to allow the bacon to crisp evenly. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the bacon is rendered and beginning to crisp. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching the bacon transform as it cooks. It wraps the chicken in a protective layer that seals in moisture while adding incredible flavor. My family knows dinner will be exceptional when they smell the combination of bacon and ranch wafting through the house. Even my teenagers put down their phones and come running.
Storage Instructions
This bacon wrapped ranch chicken stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. I recommend avoiding microwave reheating as it can make the bacon soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a different flavor profile, Italian seasoning works wonderfully in place of ranch seasoning. Turkey bacon can substitute for pork bacon, though it will produce less rendered fat so you might want to spray the chicken with a bit more oil before baking. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless customization based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts that can cook alongside the chicken at the same temperature. For a complete meal, add a side of cauliflower mash or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious bacon drippings. I often serve this with a simple side salad dressed with ranch dressing to complement the flavors in the chicken.
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The History Behind The Dish
While bacon wrapped meats have been popular for decades, the addition of ranch seasoning is a distinctly American twist that emerged in the 1990s when ranch flavor began dominating the American palate. Ranch seasoning, originally created in the 1950s for salad dressing, has become one of the most versatile and beloved flavor profiles in American home cooking. This recipe represents the beautiful marriage of two American favorites bacon and ranch creating a dish that feels both familiar and special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
To achieve crispy bacon, bake the chicken strips as directed and then broil them on high for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking process. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- → Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option. However, note that it may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.
- → What side dishes pair well with this dish?
Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb. Mashed potatoes or dinner rolls are great for a heartier meal.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can season and wrap the chicken strips in bacon ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
- → How do I adjust the seasonings to my taste?
Feel free to adjust the amount of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika based on your flavor preferences. Add extra spices or herbs like thyme or chili powder for more customization.