Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe

Looking for a sandwich that packs a punch of flavor and satisfies your hunger? Look no further than these Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches! Combining the spicy goodness of blackened chicken, the crispy delight of bacon, and the creamy richness of ranch dressing, these sandwiches are perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for the Sandwiches:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 strips of bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 4 sandwich rolls or buns
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup lettuce, shredded
• 1 tomato, sliced

Optional Additions and Variations:

• Sliced avocado for added creaminess
• Red onion slices for a bit of tang
• Pickles for a crunchy, tangy twist

Preparation

Prepping the Chicken and Bacon:

1. Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them in half horizontally to create four thin fillets.
2. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then coat with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Assembling the Ingredients:

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess grease.
2. Slice the sandwich rolls or buns and set aside.

Cooking Instructions

Blackening the Chicken:

1. In the same skillet used for the bacon, add a bit more olive oil if needed and increase the heat to medium-high.
2. Cook the chicken fillets for about 3-4 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through. The chicken should have a dark, crispy exterior.

Assembling the Sandwiches

Layering the Ingredients:

1. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each chicken fillet while still in the skillet to melt.
2. Spread ranch dressing on the insides of the sandwich rolls or buns.
3. Place the blackened chicken fillets with melted cheese on the bottom half of each roll.

Adding the Bacon and Veggies:

1. Add two strips of crispy bacon on top of each chicken fillet.
2. Layer with shredded lettuce and tomato slices.
3. Place the top half of the roll or bun on the sandwich.

Finishing Touches

Toasting the Bread:

1. For an extra touch, you can toast the assembled sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until the bread is slightly crispy and warm.

Adding Fresh Greens and Veggies:

1. For added freshness, consider adding a few slices of avocado or pickles to each sandwich before serving.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Bread:

1. Use sturdy sandwich rolls or buns that can hold up to the hearty fillings without getting soggy.

Ensuring the Perfect Blackened Flavor:

1. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that perfect blackened crust.

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers:

1. Store any leftover blackened chicken and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat the chicken and bacon in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
2. Assemble the sandwiches as directed and toast briefly in the oven if desired.

Variations

Making It Spicier:

1. Add a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on the chicken for an extra kick.

Adding Extra Vegetables:

1. Include sliced red onion, pickles, or avocado for additional flavors and textures.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Pre-cooked Chicken?
   • Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply reheat and coat with the seasoning before assembling the sandwiches.
2. What Kind of Bacon Works Best?
   • Thick-cut bacon works best as it stays crispy and adds a satisfying crunch to the sandwich.
3. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
   • You can prepare the chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble and toast the sandwiches when ready to serve.
4. Is This Recipe Kid-Friendly?
   • If your kids enjoy a bit of spice, they will likely love this sandwich. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning to make it milder.
5. Can I Freeze the Leftovers?
   • The cooked blackened chicken can be frozen. Thaw and reheat before assembling the sandwiches.

Conclusion

These Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and hearty meal. With the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and crispy elements, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your home. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors!

Yield: 4

Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches Recipe

Print

Looking for a sandwich that packs a punch of flavor and satisfies your hunger? Look no further than these Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches! Combining the spicy goodness of blackened chicken, the crispy delight of bacon, and the creamy richness of ranch dressing, these sandwiches are perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless Chicken breasts
• 6 slices Bacon
• 1 tablespoon Seasoned salt
• ½ tablespoon Garlic powder
• ½ tablespoon Onion powder
• ½ tablespoon Paprika
• 2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 cup Romain lettuce, shredded
• ½ cup Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 4 Brioche buns
• HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING
• ½ cup Mayonnaise
• ½ cup Sour cream
• ½ cup Buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons Dried dill (or fresh)
• 1 ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried chives (or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Salt (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions

1. Use a medium size bowl and add in the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, and all of the seasonings.
2. Stir the mixture very well until all of the seasonings are fully incorporated.
3. Place the ranch in an airtight container and refrigerate until you are ready to use.

SANDWICHES

1. Place your chicken on a cutting board (covered in parchment paper or plastic wrap) and use a kitchen mallet or rolling pin to flatten out chicken.
2. Place the chicken in a large bowl, and add all of the seasonings directly over the chicken. Mix chicken around with tongs or gloved hands until each piece is evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil into the skillet. Once the oil is hot, gently place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer. Cover with a lid (or foil) and let the chicken sear for 7 minutes.
4. While the chicken is searing, begin cooking the bacon in a separate non-stick skillet over medium heat, until it is cooked all the way through (5 minutes one side, flip and 2 minutes on the other side). Remove it and allow it to drain any excess grease on a cooling rack.
5. Remove the lid from the chicken and flip it over. Cover it and cook an additional 8-10 minutes. The chicken should have a nice blackened crust on it.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for at least 5 minutes. After five minutes slice the chicken into thin slices.
7. While the chicken is resting you can use the cast iron skillet to toast your buns. Simply butter each side, and place them flat in the skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes.
8. Optional: add the chicken back into the skillet and cover with cheese until it is melted.
9. To build your sandwich add some of the homemade ranch, layer with the romaine letter, the chicken slices, and bacon. Top with more ranch if desired. ENJOY!