This Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich is a tasty treat! It’s filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing that makes every bite delicious.
Who doesn’t love a sandwich that makes you feel like a chef? I like to add extra bacon—because, let’s face it, there’s no such thing as too much bacon! 😄
Making this sandwich is a breeze. Just mix the chicken and bacon, add ranch dressing, slap it on your favorite bread, and enjoy a yummy meal in minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great alternative; it’s already cooked and shreds easily!
Bacon: Bacon adds crunch and flavor. Turkey bacon works well if you want a lighter option, but it may not be as crispy. I sometimes use crispy pancetta for a different flavor twist!
Ranch Dressing: The star of this sandwich! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs. Homemade ranch can also be a fun project!
Lettuce: Romaine is recommended for its crunchiness, but any fresh leafy greens will do. Spinach or mixed greens can also add some color and different flavors.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right:
- Evenly season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil when it’s hot.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 mins per side. Make sure it’s golden brown and no longer pink inside—using a meat thermometer can help (165°F is the safe temp).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting; this keeps it juicy!
Taking your time with the chicken will make it tender and flavorful, ensuring your sandwich is top-notch!
Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped (romaine recommended)
- 1 medium tomato, sliced or chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1 sub sandwich roll or hoagie bun (about 8 inches)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to tasty bite! You’ll spend a little time cooking up the chicken and bacon, then mixing everything together to create a filling that will have your taste buds dancing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by preheating your skillet over medium heat. Place the bacon slices in the pan and let them cook until they become nice and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally for even cooking. Once done, take them out and let them drain on some paper towels. When they cool down a bit, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the bacon cooks, grab your chicken breasts. Season them generously on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will give your chicken a great flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet (you can wipe out some of the bacon fat if you want), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re fully cooked and golden brown. A meat thermometer is helpful here; you want the chicken to reach 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before chopping it.
4. Chop the Chicken:
After resting, dice the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to mix and eat later.
5. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine your chopped chicken, chopped bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese if you’re using it. Drizzle in the ranch dressing and gently toss everything together until well mixed and coated with the dressing.
6. Assemble the Sandwich:
Take your sub roll and slice it lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want it to open up like a book. Spoon the delicious chicken-bacon-ranch mixture evenly into your roll, filling it generously.
7. Serve:
Close up the sandwich, slice it in half if you like, and enjoy immediately. This sandwich delivers a creamy, crunchy, savory experience with every bite, making it perfect for lunch or a casual dinner!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Sandwich?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, can save you time. Just shred or chop the meat and mix it with the other ingredients for a quick and easy sandwich.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten things up, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also opt for a whole-grain sandwich roll and use low-fat ranch dressing to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor!
Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bacon mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sandwich Filling?
If you have leftover filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and use it within 3 days. You can enjoy it again in a wrap, on a salad, or in a baked potato for a delicious meal!