CHICKEN BACON RANCH BREAD PUDDING

Chicken Bacon Ranch Bread Pudding image

This recipe is not only delicious but it also is a great way to use both leftover chicken and leftover bread. It's a great Twist on chicken and dressing all in one comforting casserole.

Provided by Robin Lieneke

Categories Chicken

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, boneless skinless, diced in 1-inch cubes
1/2 lb bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 onion, diced
1/4 c green pepper, diced
2 stalk(s) celery, diced
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp butter
2 tsp poultry seasoning
1 pkg ranch dressing mix
1 pkg hamburger buns, diced into 1-inch cubes
2 c heavy cream
1 c milk
3 eggs
1 tsp mustard
1 c cheddar cheese, shredded
1 c parmesan cheese, shredded

Steps:

1. Put the bread cubes on a sheet pan in a single layer. Spray with butter flavored no stick spray and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. of poultry seasoning and 1 tbsp. of ranch dressing mix. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 10 minutes until slightly crispy. Let cool slightly and then put in a large mixing bowl.
2. Saute bacon until crispy and remove from skillet. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Remove all but 2 tbsps. of bacon grease from pan and add one tbsp. of olive oil. Add onions celery and green peppers and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. of poultry seasoning and 1 tsp. of ranch dressing mix. Saute until onions are translucent.
3. Pour the onion mixture over the cubes of bread including all pan drippings. In the same skillet add one tbsp. olive oil and 2 tbsps. butter. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning and 1 tbsp. ranch dressing mix. Saute until chicken is no longer pink throughout. Pour chicken and pan drippings over the bread mixture. Add reserved bacon pieces and 1/2 cup of Parmesan and all of the cheddar cheese. Toss together lightly until combined.
4. In a medium bowl mix milk, heavy cream, eggs, mustard, 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning and remaining ranch dressing. Mix until thoroughly Incorporated. Pour this mixture over the bread and chicken mixture and stir together. Let sit for 10 minutes
5. Pour the chicken and bread mixture into a 8 by 11 pan which has been sprayed with no stick spray. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.