Description
These Melted Mozzarella & Ranch Chicken Bombs are a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mozzarella and ranch cheese mixture, wrapped in savory turkey or beef bacon, seared to seal in the juices, then baked to perfection. The meal combines comforting flavors with a crispy bacon exterior, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each), cut into pockets
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Cooking & Garnish
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 8 slices turkey bacon or beef bacon (pork-free alternative)
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil an oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
- Create Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a 2–3 inch pocket into each chicken breast. Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each pocket, making sure to leave enough space to seal. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the opening and keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Wrap (Optional): For added flavor and moisture, wrap each stuffed chicken breast with two slices of turkey or beef bacon, ensuring the bacon covers the openings and secures the filling.
- Sear to Seal: Heat the olive oil in the prepared skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 2–3 minutes or until a golden brown crust forms. This step helps lock in the juices and adds flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken to the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Carefully remove toothpicks if used. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the chicken bombs hot for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use turkey or beef bacon if you want a pork-free option.
- Make sure to not overstuff the chicken pockets to avoid cheese leakage while cooking.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps the juices redistribute for a moister bite.
- To make this recipe low sodium, reduce the added salt and use a low-sodium ranch seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-baking and pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast with bacon
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Melted Mozzarella Chicken Bombs, Ranch Chicken, Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Easy Chicken Dinner, Bacon Wrapped Chicken
