Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub

Introduction

If you’re looking for a sandwich that combines the savory goodness of chicken, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the creamy delight of ranch dressing, then the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is your go-to. This sub is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a hearty lunch or a casual dinner. With its blend of flavors and textures, it’s no wonder this sandwich has become a favorite for many.

History of the Sandwich

The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch has long been a beloved trio in American cuisine. Originally popularized in salads and wraps, this combination made its way into the sub world, offering a more substantial and satisfying meal. Over time, it has evolved into a classic sub choice, appreciated for its delicious harmony of ingredients.

Ingredients Needed

To make this mouthwatering sub, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Bacon: Thick-cut for extra crunch.
• Ranch Dressing: Homemade or store-bought.
• Bread: Sub rolls or your favorite sandwich bread.
• Vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
• Cheese: Optional, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder.
• Butter or Olive Oil: For toasting the bread.

Choosing the Right Bread

The bread can make or break your sub. For the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, you want something that’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings but still soft enough to bite into easily. Sub rolls, hoagie rolls, or even ciabatta are great choices. Look for a bread that has a slightly crispy crust and a soft interior.

Preparation Steps

Before you start assembling your sub, it’s important to prepare all your ingredients.

1. Cooking the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill, bake, or pan-fry until fully cooked. Once done, chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Frying the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop into pieces.
3. Chopping Vegetables and Prepping Ingredients: Thinly slice lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. If you’re using cheese, have it shredded or sliced.

Making the Ranch Sauce

A good ranch dressing can elevate your sub. Here’s how to make a simple homemade version:

• Ingredients for Homemade Ranch: Mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Mixing and Adjusting Flavor: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assembling the Sub

Now comes the fun part—putting it all together.

1. Layering Ingredients: Start by spreading ranch dressing on both sides of the sub roll. Add a layer of lettuce, followed by the chopped chicken and bacon. Top with tomatoes and onions.
2. Ensuring Even Distribution: Make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed to get a bite of everything in each mouthful.

Toasting the Sub

Toasting your sub adds a delightful crunch and warms the ingredients.

1. Techniques for Toasting: You can use a panini press, toaster oven, or a skillet. If using a skillet, press the sub with a heavy object like a cast iron pan.
2. Getting the Perfect Crunch: Toast until the bread is golden brown and the cheese (if used) is melted.

Side Dishes to Serve with the Sub

To make your meal complete, consider these side dishes:

• Fries: Classic and always a hit.
• Potato Chips: Crunchy and convenient.
• Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing, tangy contrast.
• Pickles: Perfect for a bit of acidity and crunch.

Tips for the Perfect Sub

Creating the perfect sub is an art. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality meat make a significant difference.
• Balance Flavors: Ensure there’s a good ratio of meat to veggies to sauce.
• Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to add too much, but overstuffing can make it hard to eat.

Variations of the Recipe

Want to mix things up? Here are some variations:

• Healthier Alternatives: Use turkey bacon and low-fat ranch. Add more veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers.
• Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and use vegan bacon and ranch.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the sub components separately in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm the chicken and bacon separately, then assemble the sub fresh. Avoid storing assembled subs to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation can make your sub even more appetizing. Serve on a wooden board with a side of pickles and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For a gourmet touch, add a drizzle of extra ranch on top.

Popular Add-ons

Enhance your sub with these add-ons:

• Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
• Jalapeños: For a spicy kick.
• Sliced Olives: Adds a briny flavor.
• Extra Cheese: Because why not?

Conclusion

The Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a standout choice for any meal. With its juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious, homemade sub that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
Yes, store-bought ranch is perfectly fine. Just choose a brand you enjoy.

2. Can I make this sub ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the ingredients ahead of time but assemble the sub just before eating to avoid soggy bread.

3. What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon is ideal for this sub as it adds a nice crunch.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone are all great options.

5. Is this sub suitable for kids?
Yes, kids typically love this sub, especially if you go easy on any spicy add-ons.

Yield: 4

Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub

Print

If you're looking for a sandwich that combines the savory goodness of chicken, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the creamy delight of ranch dressing, then the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is your go-to. This sub is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a hearty lunch or a casual dinner. With its blend of flavors and textures, it's no wonder this sandwich has become a favorite for many.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless grilled chicken thighs (Or any cooked chicken you prefer)
• 6 pieces of crispy thick cut bacon
• 6 slices of tomato
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon all purpose bbq rub
• 4 toasted sub rolls

Instructions

1. First season your chicken thighs with an all purpose bbq rub and grill them at medium high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.  
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy and toast your sub rolls on the grill. 
3. Onto a cutting board add a base layer of shredded lettuce, then add chicken, bacon, and tomatoes. Chop up everything, making sure its well mixed together. 
4. Next season with salt and pepper, add mozzarella cheese, and ranch. 
5. Chop and mix one more time to incorporate. 
6. Scoop a pile of the chopped ingredients onto a sub roll and serve.