This Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich is a tasty treat! It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all in a soft bun. Yum!
You can’t go wrong with bacon, right? I love making this sandwich on a busy day since it comes together in just a few minutes and tastes amazing. Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their quick cooking time. If you want a lighter option, shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully, too!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey bacon can be a nice alternative while still giving that yummy bacon flavor.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing is key for taste, but you can use yogurt-based ranch for fewer calories, or even homemade ranch using plain yogurt, herbs, and spices!
Lettuce: Iceberg gives a nice crunch, but feel free to use romaine or any leafy greens you prefer for a different texture and flavor.
Sandwich Rolls: Hoagie rolls hold everything well, but you could opt for whole wheat or gluten-free buns for a healthier version or dietary needs.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken’s Perfectly Cooked and Tasty?
Cooking chicken properly keeps it juicy and flavorful. Here’s a great way to ensure that:
- Season your chicken well before cooking. The spices not only add flavor but help lock in moisture.
- Cook on medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer if possible.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for about 5 minutes before chopping. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Bacon:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 6 slices of bacon
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for creamier dressing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup iceberg or romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup pickled pepperoncini, sliced (optional for tang)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sandwich rolls or hoagie buns, split
Time Needed:
This delicious sandwich will take about 20 minutes to prepare, including cooking the bacon and chicken, mixing, and assembling. It’s a quick and easy meal for lunch or dinner that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess grease. Chop the cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook it in the same skillet or on the grill until fully cooked (juices should run clear). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Ranch Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and mayonnaise if you’re using it. Add in the chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the chopped chicken, chopped bacon (feel free to save some for topping), quartered cherry tomatoes, green onions, and pepperoncini to the ranch mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5. Prepare Sandwiches:
Open your sandwich rolls or hoagie buns and place a layer of shredded lettuce on each bottom half. This will keep the bread from getting soggy!
6. Assemble:
Spoon the chicken bacon ranch mixture generously onto the lettuce in each sandwich roll. If you set aside some bacon, sprinkle it on top for an extra crispy treat!
7. Serve:
Finish off by placing the top of the sandwich roll over the filling and serve immediately. Enjoy your savory and freshly made Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking Fresh Chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds even more flavor. Simply toss it with the ranch mixture and proceed with the recipe as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs to create a homemade ranch-like dressing. Alternatively, any creamy dressing like Caesar or blue cheese would work well too!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sandwich mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, scoop it onto fresh lettuce or new rolls, as the bread may get soggy over time.
Can I Make This Sandwich Spicier?
Definitely! For some heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch mixture. You can also use spicy bacon or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
