Creating Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups combines the savory flavors of chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing into a delightful appetizer or main dish. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making these delicious roll-ups:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Butterfly the Chicken: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Hold your knife parallel to the cutting board and slice horizontally through the middle of each breast, but not all the way through, to butterfly them. Open them up like a book.
- Season the Chicken: Season the inside of each butterflied chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Layer Ingredients: Spread a tablespoon of ranch dressing evenly over each butterflied chicken breast. Place 1 slice of cooked bacon on top of the ranch dressing.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the bacon.
- Roll Up: Starting from one end, tightly roll up each chicken breast, enclosing the bacon and cheese inside. Secure the seams with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine to keep the roll-ups secure during cooking.
3. Cook the Roll-Ups:
- Bake: Place the prepared chicken roll-ups seam side down on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve:
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken roll-ups from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine. Slice each roll-up into 1-inch thick rounds.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
5. Enjoy:
- Serve Warm: Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups warm as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of vegetables, salad, or rice.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Thickness: Try to butterfly the chicken breasts evenly so they cook evenly.
- Secure Roll-Ups: Use enough toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the roll-ups tightly closed during baking.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend or experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Bacon Crispness: Make sure the bacon is cooked crispy before using it in the roll-ups for the best texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with thin slices of zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian alternative.
- Cream Cheese Filling: Mix cream cheese with ranch seasoning instead of using ranch dressing for a creamier filling.
Conclusion:
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the classic flavors of bacon and ranch with tender chicken. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of these roll-ups and savor every bite!
