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Ask anyone who knows me: “What are Jess’s favorite things?” and without a doubt “Ranch!” will be one of their responses. So it comes as no surprise that I like dishes like this Chicken Bacon Ranch Bake the same way I like everything else: EXTRA ranchy.
Got veggies? RANCH.
Pizza? RANCH.
Salads? ALL THE RANCH.
So it’s only natural that for a casserole / baked dish, I’m gonna throw some ranch in that bad boy. Is it strict keto? Nope. But it’s alright on lazy keto & general low carb, so I’m okay with it 😂
Get ready to add this dinner dish to your favorites!
This is a great dish to throw together on a weekend or even a weeknight. It only takes about an hour from start to finish, & it’s savory, filling, & it can even pass for being a little healthy!
…And by that, I mean there’s broccoli in it, so yeah – “healthy” 😂
Chicken Bacon Ranch Bake
A cheesy ranchy chicken casserole with bacon & broccoli!
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet (See Notes)
Ingredients
- 2 Bags Frozen Steamable Broccoli 12 oz, steamed
- 3-4 Medium to Large Chicken Breasts, diced
- 8 slices Bacon cut in ½-1 in. pieces
- 2-3 tbsps Butter
- 1 block Cream Cheese softened
- 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
- ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- ½ cup Chicken Broth
- 2½ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (can use less if desired)
Seasonings
- 1-2 Ranch Packet(s) dry seasoning (use 2 if want it extra ranch flavored)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika non-smoked
- Thyme
Instructions
- Place both bags of broccoli in microwave, and set cook time to 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F, & then move to next step while broccoli is steaming.
- In your skillet, fry your bacon on low to medium heat. When cooked, set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the grease.
- In the same pan you used for the bacon, add your chicken. Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, & paprika. Add some thyme (less than other seasonings). Cook your chicken over medium heat until done, remove from heat, then transfer to a plate or dish.NOTE: Be careful when adding the chicken to the pan. The grease will be hot.
- When your chicken is close to being done, place your cast iron skillet on another burner over low to medium heat. Add your butter & let it melt, then add your softened block of cream cheese (cube it for easy melting), minced garlic, ranch packet(s), heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, & 1 cup of cheddar cheese, & stir or whisk until smoothNOTE: Be careful not to let it stick / scorch to the pan. Turn down the heat if necessary.
- Add your steamed broccoli to the cheese & seasoning mixture, & stir to coat all the pieces. Then add your cooked chicken & bacon, & mix all ingredients well.
- If using cast iron, remove from heat & sprinkle more cheese on top of the mixture (1-1½ cups).If using a skillet, remove from heat & transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Then top with the remaining 1-1½ cups of cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbling, then broil at 500°F for 2-4 minutes to finish crisping up the cheese a bit.Note: Keep a close eye on it while broiling to make sure the cheese doesn't burn.
- Remove from oven, let cool several minutes, & then serve & enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe Notes: Chicken Bacon Ranch Bake
The Ranch
- While I prefer that extra “ranchy” taste, using 1 serving or packet instead of 2 = lower carbs. HOWEVER. If you want extra ranch?… DO IT. Use the 2 packets. This is the universe saying follow your heart to that ranch nirvana
- Not a fan of ranch packets? If you prefer making your own dry ranch seasoning, GO FOR IT. It’s better for you anyway. I’m just lazy some (most) times & use a packet (or 2)
The Broccoli
- Hit up Aldi for those 12 oz bags. They’re cheap, & usually even better than name brand stuff
- Be sure to (carefully) drain off some of that excess water after the broccoli is steamed before you mix it into the cheesy seasoning mixture!
The Chicken
- My chicken is usually a Sams Club or an Aldi special – wherever I can find the best deal. Though I must say, I prefer the Sams Club chicken (flavor / texture / freshness) TBH
- Do you have to cook it in the bacon grease? No. Will it taste better? ABSOLUTELY. Bacon grease is AH-mazinggg. Just do it. Trust me.
- Also, be sure to check several pieces when done (especially any larger pieces) with a meat thermometer. Recommended temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F
The Cheese
- If I’ve said this once, I’ll say it a million times: Measure with your heart, and your taste buds. I’m a cheese fanatic, so I need ALL the cheese in my life. If you want less? Use less. Want more? Use more – just maybe eat more fiber or something, pal.
- I just use good ol’ Aldi brand Sharp Shredded Cheddar or Mild Shredded Cheddar. Works like a charm!
The Seasonings
- Please don’t hate me, but…when it comes to seasoning meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc., I just have an internal meter that goes “ENOUGH!” – so, just sprinkle those seasonings on.
- Just don’t be heavy handed. ESPECIALLY with the salt, the paprika, and the thyme. Less is more. But moderation is key.
Do you have to use a cast iron skillet?
- Nope. But, it will taste better, & it’s a bit easier. If you don’t have a cast iron, 1.) I recommend you get one, but 2.) Just grab another skillet, and also a baking dish that will be big enough for the whole mix of ingredients
Is this low carb / keto friendly?
- Low Carb? Yes.
- Keto Friendly? IF STRICT KETO – the answer is no (thanks to the ranch).
- But it is dirty / lazy keto friendly (hellll yeahhh!)
- If you want to make it strict keto, just make your own dry ranch seasoning though – no biggie!
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