The smell of crispy bacon and melted cheese makes these sticks hard to resist. The first bite is warm, cheesy, and full of ranch flavor that melts in your mouth.
I first made them on a game night, and they disappeared faster than I could set them down. My friends kept asking for more, and I knew they were a hit.
If you’re craving something easy, cheesy, and fun to share, these chicken bacon ranch sticks are just the thing. Let’s jump into the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd Pleaser: Three beloved flavors – chicken, bacon, and ranch – all in one bite
- Simple to Make: Just wrap, season, and bake for crispy perfection
- Party Perfect: Great for game day, potlucks, or family dinners
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these cheesy, bacon-wrapped treats
- Make-Ahead Option: Prep earlier in the day and bake when ready
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes 12 chicken bacon ranch sticks—perfect for 4-6 people as an appetizer or 3-4 people as a main dish.
Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners and fun for the whole family to help make.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
These chicken bacon ranch sticks use simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The combination creates a perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness:
- Chicken Breast: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 12 strips
- Bacon: 12 slices of bacon (not thick-cut works best)
- Cheese: 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- Ranch Seasoning: 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking Spray: For crispy results
Variations for Chicken Bacon Ranch Sticks
- Add Heat: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella
- Different Cheese: Try cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for variety
- Herb Twist: Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the seasoning mix
- Spicy Ranch: Use spicy ranch seasoning for extra kick
- Crispy Coating: Roll in crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs
How to Make Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sticks Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greased foil.
2. Cut the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast into 6 strips, making 12 total pieces. Try to keep them similar in size for even cooking.
3. Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken strips and rub it in well.
4. Prepare the Cheese
Cut each mozzarella stick in half so you have 12 pieces of cheese.
5. Wrap Each Stick
Place one piece of cheese on each seasoned chicken strip. Wrap one slice of bacon around both the chicken and cheese, tucking the ends under to secure.
6. Add the Coating
Roll each wrapped stick in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake to Perfection
Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches 165°F inside.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Sticks
These tasty sticks are perfect served warm with your favorite dipping sauces:
- Classic Ranch: Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy option that pairs beautifully
- Buffalo Sauce: For those who like a little heat
- BBQ Sauce: Smoky flavor complements the bacon perfectly
- As a Main: Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for dinner
Storing Chicken Bacon Ranch Sticks
- Fresh Sticks: Store uncooked wrapped sticks in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking
- Cooked Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp up the bacon again
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Even Thickness: Pound chicken strips to even thickness if some pieces are much thicker than others
- Secure the Bacon: Tuck bacon ends under each stick so they stay wrapped during cooking
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between sticks on the baking sheet for even browning
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure chicken reaches 165°F
- Rest Before Serving: Let sticks cool for 2-3 minutes so the cheese doesn’t burn your mouth
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (2 sticks) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
| Calcium | 180mg |
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sticks
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks (6 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizers/Finger Foods
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 12 strips
- 12 slices bacon
- 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Season Chicken: Cut chicken into 12 strips. Mix ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub seasoning mix all over chicken strips.
- Prepare Cheese: Cut each mozzarella stick in half to make 12 pieces.
- Wrap Sticks: Place one piece of cheese on each chicken strip. Wrap one slice of bacon around both chicken and cheese, tucking ends under.
- Coat and Arrange: Roll each wrapped stick in breadcrumbs. Place on prepared baking sheet with space between each stick.
- Bake: Spray tops with cooking spray. Bake 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Cool and Serve: Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 285
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sticks FAQs
Yes, but cooking time may be shorter since turkey bacon crisps faster than regular bacon.
You can make your own by mixing dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.
Yes, wrap the sticks and store in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking.
The bacon should look crispy and golden, and the chicken should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
These Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sticks bring together the best comfort food flavors in one simple recipe. The combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy bacon with ranch seasoning creates a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun family dinner, these sticks deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
