Loaded Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad
Chef & Safety Quick Answer: Loaded bacon cheddar ranch chicken salad tosses diced chicken breast with freshly shredded sharp cheddar, crispy smoked bacon, and scallions ...
Cook Loaded Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad for 8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F Minimum. Rest for 5–10 Mins before slicing so juices redistribute and carryover heat reaches full USDA FSIS food safety standards.
Quick Look
| Recipe | Loaded Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad |
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Got chicken? Never wonder what’s for dinner again.
Loaded bacon cheddar ranch chicken salad tosses diced chicken breast with freshly shredded sharp cheddar, crispy smoked bacon, and scallions in a sour cream and herb ranch dressing. Delivering 36g protein and only 2g net carbs, it is a low-carb meal prep champion.
Recipe Overview & Cooking Metrics
| Prep Time | 15 minutes | Cook Time | 8 minutes |
| Total Time | 38 minutes | Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories / Serving | 420 kcal | Protein / Serving | 36g |
| Cuisine | Low-Carb Deli | Category | Salad |
Equipment Needed
- Skillet for cooking bacon
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and silicone spatula
- Digital probe meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 8 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded from block
- 1/2 cup fresh green scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels, let cool, and crumble coarsely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper to create zesty ranch dressing.
- Add diced cooked chicken, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sliced scallions, and three-quarters of the crumbled crispy bacon.
- Fold ingredients together gently with a spatula until evenly coated in creamy ranch.
- Cover and chill for 15 minutes in refrigerator.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with reserved crispy bacon and extra sliced green scallions. Serve with crackers, over a salad, or as low-carb lettuce wraps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-shredded cheese contains powdered cellulose anti-caking starches that mute cheese flavor and dry out creamy dressings. Block cheddar shreds fresh and creamy.
Yes. Replace sour cream and dried herbs with 2/3 cup of refrigerated premium ranch dressing (like Ken’s Steakhouse or Marie’s).
Bacon stays crisp for about 4 hours once mixed. For multi-day meal prep, stir bacon in right before eating.
Method
The key details are in the summary above.
Essential Benchmarks for Perfect Poultry
Every recipe on Chickeeen relies on these four core culinary physics principles. Use our tested reference cards before you start cooking.
Safe Pull Temp
Exact target internal pull temperatures by cut to lock in maximum moisture.
Resting Time Formula
Retain up to 40% more natural juices with proper carryover heat resting.
Salt Ratio & Timing
Dry brining science and salt penetration window for deeply seasoned poultry.
Crispy Skin Science
The baking powder secret, high heat Maillard reaction, and fat rendering rules.
Nutrition per serving
Loaded Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad, your questions.
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Staring Into the Fridge with Raw Chicken?
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Technique Guides
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