Cheddar-Ful Chicken & Bacon Ranch Bar

Here’s a recipe for Cheddar-Ful Chicken & Bacon Ranch Bar, a delicious, cheesy, and savory dish perfect for a hearty meal or as a party appetizer. It combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese in one flavorful package!

Cheddar-Ful Chicken & Bacon Ranch Bar Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4-6):

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ranch dressing (or homemade ranch dressing)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 strips of crispy bacon (crumbled)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken to ensure it’s well coated.
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. You’re not trying to cook the chicken all the way through yet; just get a nice sear on the outside.
2. Assemble the Bar:
   • Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish.
   • Drizzle the ranch dressing over the top of each chicken breast, making sure they’re well coated.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the ranch dressing.
3. Add the Bacon:
   • Crumble the crispy bacon strips and sprinkle the bacon pieces over the cheese, making sure every bite will have a bit of bacon in it.
4. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the bacon crispy.
5. Serve:
   • Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh chives, if desired, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestion:

• This dish pairs perfectly with a side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some crispy fries for a satisfying meal. It also works great as an appetizer for a gathering or a fun dinner party dish.

Cheddar-Ful Chicken & Bacon Ranch Bar is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness with the crispy crunch of bacon. It’s easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!