Imagine cutting into a juicy chicken breast and revealing a molten core of creamy ranch and melted cheddar, all topped with a tantalizing BBQ glaze that will make your taste buds dance! This BBQ Ranch Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is not just another dinner - it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe combines the classic American flavors of ranch, BBQ, and cheese in one irresistible dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Season both the outside and inside of the chicken breast pockets with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese with ranch dressing, stirring until well mixed.
- Carefully stuff each chicken breast pocket with the cheese and ranch mixture, using a spoon or your fingers to distribute evenly.
- Secure the pocket openings with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
- Brush the top of each chicken breast generously with BBQ sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Optionally, drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top before serving and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Tips
- Use a sharp knife and steady hand when creating the chicken breast pocket to ensure even stuffing and prevent tearing.
- For the most tender result, avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts, which can cause uneven cooking.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.
- For extra flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses or adding minced garlic to the ranch mixture.
- If toothpicks are unavailable, you can secure the pocket with kitchen twine.
- For a crispy exterior, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
