Why You’ll Love Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken
This Ooey-Gooey Cheddar Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken is the ultimate comfort food dream come true. Juicy chicken breasts are loaded with melty cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch seasoning all baked to perfection. It’s a crave-worthy dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish is bound to steal the spotlight. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to put together!
Pure Comfort
Think of your favorite chicken dinner, now stuff it with everything you love sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch. The result? A gooey, golden masterpiece that makes every bite worth savoring. It’s warm, it’s melty, it’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A feel-good meal that soothes your soul and impresses your taste buds.
Ingredients of Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
What You Need
Kitchen Tools: Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken
- Sharp knife
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Skillet (optional for searing)
Tips for Success: Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded
- Room temperature cream cheese makes mixing easier
Time to Cook Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25–30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Steps to Make Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain and crumble.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayo, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Mix until well blended.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast (careful not to slice all the way through).
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cheesy bacon mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken on both sides until golden (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Make Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken Perfect
- Don’t overstuff: You want just enough filling to keep everything inside during baking.
- Secure well: Use toothpicks or twine to keep the filling from spilling.
- Don’t skip the sear: It locks in juices and adds a beautiful golden crust.
Mix Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken Up
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick
- Use turkey bacon or pancetta for variation
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling for more depth
Perfect Partners
Serve your stuffed chicken with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted veggies
- Creamy coleslaw
- Buttery corn on the cob
- Fresh green salad
Busy Day Hero
Pre-stuff the chicken breasts and refrigerate them up to a day ahead. Just pop them in the oven when ready no fuss, no stress.
Work Ahead
You can prep the filling and cook the bacon ahead of time, store in the fridge, and assemble when you’re ready to cook. Great for meal planning!
Save Some For Later
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F to keep that cheesy filling gooey and delicious.
Everyone’s Happy
Kids love the cheesy goodness, adults appreciate the bold flavors this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Good For You Too
- High in protein
- Low in carbs (perfect for keto lovers)
- Made with real ingredients no processed nonsense
Easy Clean Up
Just one pan to bake, one bowl to mix, and a skillet for searing. Use parchment paper or foil in your baking dish for even quicker cleanup.
Switch Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken Up
Try this stuffed chicken on the grill for a smoky flavor, or slice and serve it in a sandwich for a next-level lunch.
Simply Perfect
This dish hits all the right notes creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s everything you want in comfort food with just the right amount of flair.
FAQs of Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but make sure they’re boneless and large enough to stuff.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and mayo alternatives, and skip the cream cheese or replace it with a plant-based version.
3. Can I freeze it?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
4. What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
Try a mix of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill and be sure to secure the opening with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine.
6. Can I air fry it?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, checking doneness at 15 minutes.
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Conclusion of Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken
Ooey-Gooey Cheddar Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is so easy to pull off. It’s packed with flavor, delivers on texture, and makes for a memorable meal any night of the week. From cozy family dinners to impressing guests, this stuffed chicken never fails. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Ooey-Gooey Cheddar Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy blend of cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning, then baked until golden and gooey. The perfect comfort food for any night of the week.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside. In a bowl, mix cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning until well combined. Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff the cheese and bacon mixture into each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks if needed. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts on each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch. For added flavor, swap cheddar with pepper jack or add chopped sautéed spinach to the stuffing. To make ahead, prep the filling and stuff the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Chicken, Ranch Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Breast