Description
Savor the flavors of Bacon Ranch Chicken Melts, featuring tender chicken breasts topped with creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all on toasted bread. This easy and satisfying dish is perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or whole wheat)
- Butter for spreading on the bread
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
- Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine ranch dressing with crumbled bacon and stir until well mixed.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese into the ranch-bacon mixture.
- Carefully take the skillet out of the oven.
- Spoon the ranch-bacon-cheese mixture over each chicken breast.
- Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Place a chicken breast on each slice of toasted bread. Optionally, add extra ranch dressing or fresh parsley.
- Transfer the assembled melts to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for garnish.
- Serve warm and enjoy with a side salad, fries, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Chicken Alternatives: Substitute turkey breasts or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes