Description
A quick and creamy baked chicken dish featuring a rich topping of cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon bits, seasoned with ranch mix for a restaurant-quality weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup bacon bits (real crumbled or fake)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking dish. If thick, pound to even thickness.
- Brush or drizzle melted butter over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle dry ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken and pat in gently.
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and bacon bits to form a thick paste.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast and spread to cover the surface.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing. Do not overcook chicken; use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F. For extra crunch, add panko breadcrumbs to the topping. Can be covered with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: baked chicken, million dollar chicken, creamy chicken, ranch chicken, bacon chicken, weeknight dinner, easy recipes, comfort food