Creamy Ranch Chicken

Every so often, there are certain recipes that just "explode" on the internet. Ever heard of those Black-Bottom Cupcakes? Those were on blogs everywhere -- and then I saw them in an issue of Bon Appetit not too much later. (And I just now realized that I don't have a post about them, OR any pictures. But I promise I made them. No really, I did.)

This recipe is sort of like that on the message board forum that I frequent. Most of the women who frequent the food board have tried this meal and have just raved about how good it is. I have to give major kudos to Julie for finding and sharing this scrumptious recipe with us.

And seriously, it has ranch in it. Ranch, people! No wonder it's so good.

Creamy Ranch Chicken

From: Better Homes & Gardens

(By way of Julie's Foodie)

6 slices bacon
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. ranch dry salad dressing mix
1-1/4 cups whole milk (I used 2% with no problem)
3 cups dried medium noodles (I used rotini)
1 Tbsp. finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Cut bacon into narrow strips. In a large skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings.

In the same skillet cook chicken in reserved drippings until tender and no longer pink, turning to brown evenly. Sprinkle flour and salad dressing mix over the chicken in the skillet; stir well. Stir in milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Stir in bacon. Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Serve chicken mixture with noodles; sprinkle with Parmesan. Makes: 4 servings

So I partially cheated while making this -- I used ready-made bacon instead of frying it up myself. But I mean, really, bacon takes FOREVER to cook it seems. So I cheated, and then just cooked the chicken in 2 tbsp. of olive oil.

Mmmm, I'm getting hungry just looking at these pictures....

Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Calories 580	Calories from fat 210
% Daily Value
Total Fat 23.3g	36%
Saturated Fat 7.8g	39%
Cholesterol 120mg	40%
Sodium 1250mg	52%
Total Carbs 44.6g	15%
Dietary Fiber 1.9g	8%
Sugars 4.6g
Protein 48.6g
Vitamin A 3%	Vitamin C 1%
Calcium 10%	Iron 17%