Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering, restaurant-quality chicken dish you can make right in your own kitchen! This Copycat O'Charley's California Chicken is about to become your new obsession - imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in creamy ranch, topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're craving a restaurant-style meal without the hefty price tag or looking to impress your family with a restaurant-worthy dish, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Pour the ranch dressing evenly over each chicken breast, completely coating the top and sides of the meat. This will help keep the chicken moist and add rich flavor.
- Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each chicken breast, creating an even layer that will melt during baking.
- Distribute the cooked bacon bits uniformly across the top of the cheese-covered chicken breasts.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions just before serving to add a fresh, crisp element to the dish.
- Serve hot, potentially with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to complement the rich flavors of the chicken.
Tips
- • For the most flavorful result, use high-quality ranch dressing and freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese. • Ensure chicken breasts are of uniform thickness by gently pounding them before seasoning to promote even cooking. • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken - 165°F is the safe internal temperature. • Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy and prevent dry meat. • For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking to golden the cheese. • Prep ingredients in advance to make cooking faster and more convenient. • Fresh bacon bits will provide more flavor than pre-packaged versions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 745kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 66g
Fat: 49g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 180mg
