Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that combines all your favorite flavors into one irresistible bite! These BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers are the ultimate comfort food that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a perfect blend of tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese, this recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion! Whether you're hosting a game day party or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these finger-licking delights are sure to impress. Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenders with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Toss the chicken until it is evenly coated in the sauce.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crumbled bacon with the remaining 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. This will add extra flavor to the bacon and help it adhere to the chicken.
- Take each BBQ-coated chicken tender and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon some of the bacon mixture on top of each tender, pressing it down gently to ensure it sticks.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over each chicken tender, using about 1 tablespoon per piece. This will add a creamy texture and delicious flavor.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chicken tenders, ensuring each piece is well covered. The cheese will melt and create a gooey topping as it cooks.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with extra ranch dressing or BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers!
Tips
- Marinate for More Flavor: For an extra kick, consider marinating the chicken tenders in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Crispy Bacon: Make sure to cook your bacon until it’s crispy before crumbling it. This will enhance the texture and flavor in your dish.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack can add a unique twist to your BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers.
- Baking Sheet Prep: If you want to make cleanup easier, use aluminum foil on your baking sheet instead of parchment paper. Just be sure to lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with Dips: Enhance your serving experience by offering a variety of dips, such as extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even hot sauce for those who like a bit of heat.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or last-minute gatherings!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
