This Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich is a tasty and filling treat! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing all come together in a soft bun for a satisfying bite.
You can’t go wrong with this combo! I love loading mine up with extra bacon—because why not? It’s quick to make and great for lunch or a fun dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this sandwich. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works well as a tasty shortcut. Shredded or chopped, it’ll save you cooking time!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can work, although it won’t be quite as crispy. You can even use vegan bacon if desired!
Romaine Lettuce: This keeps the sandwich fresh and crunchy. If you prefer a softer texture, try using spinach or mixed greens instead. They add a nice color too!
Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch dressing is fantastic if you have the ingredients, but store-bought is super convenient. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs instead.
How Do You Cook Chicken Breast Without Drying It Out?
Cooking chicken breast can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be dry. Here are some tips to help you achieve juicy, flavorful chicken:
- Start with a preheated skillet for even cooking. Using a medium heat allows for proper cooking without burning.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking! This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist pieces when you chop them.
- Cutting against the grain when chopping makes for tender bites.
All these little steps make a big difference in the final sandwich! Enjoy!
Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty sandwich takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It takes around 10 minutes to cook the bacon and chicken and then just a few minutes to chop everything and assemble the sandwich. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
First, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place the bacon slices in the hot skillet and cook until they’re nice and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and allow it to drain on paper towels. Set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While your bacon is cooking, cut the cooked bacon into small bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil then season them evenly with the spice mix.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Using the same skillet (you can leave the bacon drippings for extra flavor if you like), cook the seasoned chicken breasts over medium heat. Sear each side for about 5-6 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for about 5 minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Mix Your Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, and bite-sized bacon pieces. Pour in the ranch dressing and mix everything together until everything is nicely coated.
5. Assemble the Sandwich:
Next, slice the hoagie rolls horizontally, keeping a hinge on one side so they can hold your filling. Generously spoon the chicken bacon ranch mixture inside each roll. You can pack it in for a hearty bite!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sandwiches immediately while everything is warm and delicious. Enjoy your Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich – it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Sandwich?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) is perfect for this recipe. Just chop it up and mix it with the other ingredients for a quick and easy sandwich.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftover sandwich filling, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy, reheat the mixture gently on the stove or microwave, and serve it fresh in new rolls!
Can I Make This Sandwich Spicy?
Definitely! To add some heat, you can mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the ranch dressing or add sliced jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
What Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your sandwich with additional veggies! Sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado can add great texture and flavor to your Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich.