Make Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet for Game Day Fun

Get ready to dive into a flavor-packed, comforting dish that’s perfect for game day, movie nights, or any casual gathering – Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet! This irresistible creation combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a zesty ranch seasoning, all piled high on a bed of crunchy tortilla chips. It’s a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Table of Contents

What are Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos?

Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet is a delectable one-pan meal that takes the classic nacho dish to new heights. By incorporating shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and a creamy ranch seasoning, this recipe elevates the humble nachos into a truly indulgent and satisfying experience.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Not only is Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet incredibly flavorful, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick assembly process, you can have a crowd-pleasing dish on the table in no time. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your own taste preferences, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Ingredients for Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet

Main Ingredients

To make this delicious Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• ¼ cup ranch dressing

Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions

While the ingredients listed above create a delicious Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet, you can also customize it to your liking. Consider adding diced avocado, black olives, or corn kernels for extra flavor and texture. If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. And for a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by heating 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Adding the Ranch Seasoning

Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the top and stir to coat the chicken evenly. This will infuse the dish with a creamy, tangy ranch flavor.

Layering the Nachos

Reduce the heat to low and begin layering the tortilla chips over the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños over the chips.

Melt the Cheese

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt and the flavors meld together, about 5-7 minutes.

Garnishing and Serving

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the ranch dressing over the top. Finish the dish by sprinkling the sliced green onions as a fresh, flavorful garnish. Serve this Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet piping hot, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Tips for Perfect Nachos

Choosing the Right Tortilla Chips

The foundation of great nachos is the tortilla chips. Look for sturdy, thick-cut chips that can hold up to the heavy toppings without becoming soggy. Thick restaurant-style or homemade tortilla chips work best for this Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet recipe.

Adjusting the Spice Level

If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh. Conversely, for those who love a little heat, feel free to add extra jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Dips and Sides

While this Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet is a complete meal on its own, you can also serve it with additional dips and sides to enhance the experience. Consider offering guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or even a creamy queso dip for dipping. A fresh, crisp side salad or some roasted vegetables can also balance out the richness of the nachos.

Beverage Pairings for Game Day

When enjoying Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet during a game day gathering, pair it with ice-cold beers, refreshing margaritas, or even a bold red wine. The flavors of the nachos can stand up to a variety of beverage options, allowing your guests to choose their perfect pairing.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrients

A serving of this Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet contains approximately 550 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 35g of carbohydrates, 40g of protein, and 30g of fat. While it’s a hearty and satisfying dish, the high-calorie count means it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Healthier Modifications

To make this recipe a bit more health-conscious, you can try using grilled or baked chicken instead of fried, opt for low-fat cheese, and reduce the amount of bacon. Serving the nachos on a bed of mixed greens or adding extra vegetables can also boost the nutritional value.

FAQs About Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet

What ingredients are needed to make Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet?

To prepare Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet, you’ll need the following ingredients: cooked chicken (shredded or diced), tortilla chips, cooked bacon (crumbled), ranch seasoning mix, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend), diced tomatoes, jalapeños (optional), green onions (for garnish), and ranch dressing.

How do you prepare the Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet?

To make the skillet, start by preheating your oven. In a large skillet, layer the tortilla chips, followed by the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions. Serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side.

Can I customize the toppings on the Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet?

Absolutely! One of the great things about nachos is their versatility. You can customize the toppings based on your preferences. Consider adding black olives, corn, avocado, or different types of cheese. You can also switch out the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian protein option like black beans or chickpeas.

How can I store leftovers of Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the toppings separate if possible to maintain the texture of the chips. When reheating, you can use the oven or microwave, but keep in mind that the chips may lose some of their crunch. Enjoy the leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Charcuterie Nachos
• Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Skillet
• Bacon Ranch Chicken Taquitos

Conclusion

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal, this recipe is a must-try. So gather your friends, grab a fork, and dive into the irresistible goodness of this Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Nachos Skillet!

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