This Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch come together in a soft bun to make each bite irresistible.
Who can resist crispy bacon? I love how quick this sandwich is to prepare—perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Just mix, pile it high, and enjoy every delicious bite! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein option. If you prefer, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds flavor without the cooking time!
Bacon: Crispy bacon is essential for this recipe. For a healthier alternative, turkey bacon works well too, though it may not be as crispy. You could also use cooked sausage for different flavors.
Romaine Lettuce: This provides crunch, but feel free to swap it with spinach or iceberg lettuce for a lighter option. I love adding a bit of arugula for a peppery kick!
Ranch Dressing: Ranch is classic here, but you can substitute with Caesar dressing or a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken breasts can be tricky. To get them juicy, here are some tips:
- Start your skillet on medium-high heat to get a nice sear.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, but don’t rush it! Letting them rest after cooking is key to keeping them juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe cooking.
Resting the chicken lets the juices redistribute, making every bite tender and moist. Enjoy your sandwiches!
Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 4 hoagie or submarine sandwich rolls
For the Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need around 10 minutes to cook the chicken and bacon, plus a few more minutes to chop and mix everything. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Begin by preheating your skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook them until they are crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain any excess grease. Once it’s cool, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Take the chicken breasts and season them evenly on both sides with the spice mix.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and the juices run clear. To be sure, you can check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
4. Chop the Chicken:
While the chicken is resting, chop it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easy to mix with the other ingredients and fill the sandwiches.
5. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped chicken, bacon, Romaine lettuce, chopped tomato, and ranch dressing. Mix everything together until well combined. Make sure all the ingredients are coated with the ranch dressing for that creamy flavor!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take the hoagie rolls and slice them horizontally without cutting all the way through, creating a hinge. This keeps the filling from falling out. Spoon the chicken bacon ranch mixture evenly into each roll.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an extra pop of color and added flavor. Serve the sandwiches immediately, and enjoy every delicious bite of your Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Sandwich?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just chop it up and mix it with the bacon and dressing for a super quick assembly!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just heat it gently, and serve in fresh rolls for the best taste!
Can I Make This Sandwich Healthier?
Sure! You can use turkey bacon or even omit the bacon entirely for a lighter version. For the dressing, try using a low-fat or yogurt-based ranch to reduce calories.
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
Feel free to customize! Add sliced avocado, jalapeños for heat, or even cheese for extra flavor. You can also swap out the lettuce for spinach or arugula for a different twist.
