Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes Recipe
Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that many of us grew up enjoying. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate this humble dish to something truly extraordinary? Enter Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes—a mouthwatering combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all served on a soft bun. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want something satisfying and packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes take all the best elements of comfort food and combine them into one irresistible sandwich. The savory chicken and bacon are perfectly complemented by the creamy ranch and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the recipe is incredibly easy to make and can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready:
Cooking the Bacon:
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Chopping the Onion and Garlic:
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. These will add depth of flavor to the chicken mixture.
Shredding the Cheese:
Shred the cheddar cheese if you’re using a block of cheese. Pre-shredded cheese works too, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a richer flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
The first step in making these Sloppy Joes is cooking the ground chicken:
Melting the Butter:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Adding the Ground Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 7-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is fully cooked through.
Building the Sloppy Joe Mixture
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to build the flavorful Sloppy Joe mixture:
Adding the Worcestershire Sauce:
Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and stir to coat the chicken. This adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
Pouring in the Chicken Broth:
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Incorporating the Ranch Dressing:
Stir in the ranch dressing until it’s fully incorporated. The ranch adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and bacon.
Mixing in the Crumbled Bacon:
Fold the crumbled bacon into the chicken mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout.
Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Assembling the Sloppy Joes
With the chicken mixture ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches:
Toasting the Buns (Optional):
For extra flavor and texture, lightly toast the brioche or hamburger buns in the skillet or under the broiler.
Adding the Chicken Mixture:
Spoon a generous portion of the chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
Optional Toppings:
If desired, add lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of extra ranch dressing on top of the chicken mixture.
Topping with Green Onions:
For a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top.
Closing the Sandwiches:
Place the top half of the bun on each sandwich and press down slightly to hold everything together.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides:
- French Fries:
Serve with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic combo. - Coleslaw:
A tangy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the Sloppy Joes. - Potato Salad:
A creamy potato salad adds a cool contrast to the warm, savory sandwiches. - Side Salad:
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
Variations of Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes
This recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste:
- Buffalo Chicken Version:
Add a few tablespoons of Buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick. - BBQ Chicken Version:
Replace the ranch dressing with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy twist on the classic. - Vegetarian Option:
Substitute the chicken with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetarian bacon. - Extra Cheesy:
Add an extra half cup of cheddar or even a slice of provolone on top for a super cheesy Sloppy Joe.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Families
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joe recipe is ideal for busy families who need a quick and satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and loved by both kids and adults alike. Plus, the ingredients are simple and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for weeknight dinners.
Health Considerations
While this dish is indulgent, there are ways to make it a bit healthier:
- Use Lean Ground Chicken:
Opt for 93% lean ground chicken to reduce the fat content. - Turkey Bacon:
Swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon to cut down on fat and calories. - Whole Wheat Buns:
Serve the Sloppy Joes on whole wheat buns for added fiber. - Light Ranch Dressing:
Use a light or Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing to reduce calories and fat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, the chicken mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Chicken?
If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken as a substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.
Can I Freeze the Chicken Mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What’s the Best Type of Cheese to Use?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with other types like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavors.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on a classic dish, combining the savory flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch into one satisfying sandwich. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. With its easy preparation and bold flavors, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes Recipe
Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that many of us grew up enjoying. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate this humble dish to something truly extraordinary? Enter Chicken Bacon Ranch Sloppy Joes—a mouthwatering combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, all served on a soft bun. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when you want something satisfying and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound bacon
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 yellow onion chopped
- 1 ranch packet
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (2% is okay too)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup chopped cheddar cheese
Instructions
Heat a large cast iron skillet on medium high heat.
Cook the bacon until crisp then remove the bacon to cool and drain all but two tablespoons of fat.
Add the chicken and onion and cook for 5-7 minutes or until cooked through.
Whisk the ranch packet, milk and cornstarch together and add it to the pan, cooking until slightly thickened and bubbling (about 3-4 minutes).
Add in the shredded mozzarella and stir to combine, chop the bacon and sprinkle it and the cheddar cheese on the mixture just before serving.