This Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich is the perfect mix of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing all piled high on a soft bun. What’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein option. If you want something quicker, rotisserie chicken works great in a pinch—just shred it and you’re set!
Bacon: Crisp bacon adds a wonderful crunch. For a healthier choice, turkey bacon can be substituted, or you might even try a plant-based bacon alternative.
Lettuce: Romaine adds crunch, but any leafy green like spinach or mixed greens will do. If you prefer a sweeter note, consider using arugula!
Ranch dressing: Store-bought is fine, but homemade ranch with yogurt can be a healthier alternative. If ranch isn’t your thing, try a different creamy dressing like blue cheese or Caesar.
Bun: I love a soft hoagie roll, but you could use whole wheat rolls, bagels, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Cooking the chicken just right can make a big difference in your sandwich. To ensure it’s juicy and flavorful, here are the steps:
- Pat dry to help the seasonings stick. Season both sides generously with spices.
- Heat the pan and add a little oil before placing the chicken. This helps create a beautiful sear.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until no longer pink. Let it rest for a few minutes to help retain moisture before chopping.
How Can I Make My Sandwich Extra Crunchy?
If you want a sandwich with a nice, crispy texture, here are a couple of tricks:
- Toast the sandwich roll in the oven or on a skillet for a few minutes until golden brown.
- Think about adding crunchy veggies like pickles or cucumbers for an added crunch!
Enjoy making your Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich, and feel free to personalize it as you like!
Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, finely diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large sandwich roll or hoagie bun
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking and assembling. A quick and tasty meal, perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Then, chop the chicken into small bite-sized pieces.
3. Cooking the Bacon:
While the chicken is cooking, place the bacon slices in another pan over medium heat. Cook them until they’re crispy, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once they’re done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain the excess grease, then crumble or chop into smaller pieces.
4. Preparing the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, crumbled bacon (save a little for garnish), chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomato, and red onion if you’re using it. Pour in the ranch dressing and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Mix everything together gently until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt and pepper if needed.
5. Assembling the Sandwich:
Take your sandwich roll and slice it lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Spoon the chicken bacon ranch mixture generously into the roll, making sure you get a good mix of chicken, bacon, and veggies. Top it off with the reserved crumbled bacon for that extra crunch!
6. Serving the Sandwich:
Carefully place your sandwich on a wooden board or plate, and it’s ready to enjoy! For added texture, you can toast the roll before adding the filling—just pop it in a toaster oven or on a skillet for a few minutes!
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich!
Can I Use Any Type of Chicken for This Sandwich?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great for a lean option, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier flavor. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just shred it and mix it in!
Can I Substitute the Ranch Dressing?
Yes! If ranch isn’t your favorite, feel free to use blue cheese dressing, Caesar dressing, or a homemade creamy dressing made from yogurt. You can also go with a vinaigrette for a lighter option.
How Do I Store Leftover Sandwich Filling?
Store any leftover chicken bacon ranch mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stove or microwave before assembling your sandwich.
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and bacon in advance and mix them with the dressing, but it’s best to add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Assemble the sandwich the day you plan to eat it for optimal freshness!
