Description
Indulge in these Cheesy Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken Bombs filled with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing, all wrapped in a crunchy breadcrumb exterior. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large chicken breasts: The star of the dish! Choose plump, fresh chicken breasts for the best results.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This melty cheese adds richness and flavor that perfectly complements the bacon.
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Crispy bacon brings a smoky flavor and crunch to the filling.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: This tangy dressing ties all the flavors together and adds creaminess.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: These will give the chicken bombs a crispy exterior.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the breadcrumbs stick and gives a golden finish when baked.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken bombs cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Next, take each chicken breast and butterfly it. This means slicing it horizontally but not all the way through, creating a pocket for your delicious filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to keep the chicken intact.
- Step 3: Mix the Filling
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir it well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. This filling is where the magic happens; you’ll want to make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
- Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
- Now it’s time to stuff the chicken breasts. Generously fill each pocket with the cheese and bacon mixture. If the filling spills out a bit, no worries! You can secure the opening with toothpicks to keep everything inside while they bake.
- Step 5: Coat & Bake
- Pour the olive oil into a shallow dish. Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the oil, ensuring they’re well-coated. Then, roll them in breadcrumbs until they’re completely covered. This breadcrumb coating is what gives the chicken bombs their delightful crunch when baked.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the coating is a beautiful golden brown. You can check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Once baked to perfection, let the chicken bombs cool for a few minutes. Remove any toothpicks used for securing the pockets. Serve them with additional ranch dressing on the side for dipping, and watch your guests dig in!
Notes
- Choosing the Right Chicken Breasts: Opt for large, thick chicken breasts to create ample space for stuffing, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Substitutions for Ingredients: Feel free to swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a spicy kick or use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Variations in Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings in the filling, such as smoked paprika or Italian herbs, for added flavor.
- Ensuring Proper Cooking Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it’s safe to eat without being overcooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken bomb
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg