Ooey-Gooey Cheddar Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken Delights
Ready to meet your new obsession? These Cheddar Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken Delights are crispy on the outside, oozing with melted cheddar and smoky bacon on the inside, and bursting with ranch-seasoned flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want to treat yourself to something ultra-satisfying, this cheesy chicken recipe will not disappoint.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish checks all the boxes: juicy chicken, melty cheese, salty bacon, crispy coating, and creamy ranch packed into one glorious bite. It’s the kind of dinner you plan your week around. Even better? It’s baked to perfection after a quick sear for extra crunch—no deep frying needed.
If you’ve ever loved cheese-stuffed chicken wontons or beer cheese dip, this is your next must-make.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, butterflied
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt & pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp butter, for searing
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Cheese: Use mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack for a little kick.
- Ranch: Swap in ranch seasoning + sour cream if you’re out of bottled dressing.
- Bacon: Pre-cooked bacon bits work in a pinch, but freshly cooked and crumbled is best.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives that ultimate crunch, but crushed crackers or cornflakes also work.
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Butterfly the chicken breasts and gently pound them for even thickness if needed.
2️⃣ Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, combine cheddar, bacon, ranch dressing, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Stuff the Chicken
Open each chicken breast and spoon half the filling inside. Fold the breast over the filling and secure the edges with toothpicks.
4️⃣ Bread the Chicken
Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, then dip into beaten egg, and coat in panko breadcrumbs.
5️⃣ Sear to Crisp
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
6️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7️⃣ Slice and Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes. Slice carefully to reveal the gooey, melty center—and dig in!
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
✔️ Don’t overstuff – just enough filling to close and secure.
✔️ Toothpick tip – use 2 per breast to prevent cheese escape during baking.
✔️ Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly juicy chicken without overcooking.
✔️ Rest before slicing to keep the filling from spilling out too quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or seasoned rice
- Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans
- A crisp garden salad with ranch dressing
Pair it with a fizzy soda or this beer cheese dip and chips for a full indulgent plate.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: In a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or air fryer for extra crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze stuffed (uncooked) chicken tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before searing and baking.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into bold, cheesy, crave-worthy meals, you’ll love:
- Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch – Golden, Crunchy, Addictive
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack – Tater Tot Nachos for the Win
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
These Ooey-Gooey Cheddar Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken Delights are everything a comfort meal should be—crispy, cheesy, smoky, and absolutely indulgent. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough to wow your family or guests.
Try them out, then leave a comment and tell us how it went! Want to level it up with your own twist? We’d love to hear about it. 💥🧀🥓
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