Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe
Combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and gooey melted cheese, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is the ultimate comfort food. With a golden, flaky crust that wraps around this savory filling, it’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even game days. This recipe is easy to customize and has all the flavors of your favorite chicken bacon ranch combo, but in a fun, hand-held form.
Stromboli, an Italian-American classic, is like a rolled-up pizza filled with delicious ingredients and baked to golden perfection. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli takes the original concept and infuses it with the flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing. With its savory filling wrapped in a warm, crispy crust, this recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors and comforting, handheld dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This stromboli is incredibly versatile and has all the flavors of a classic Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich. It’s ideal for sharing, easy to make ahead, and offers endless ways to customize with your favorite toppings and cheese. Whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic treat, or an appetizer, this stromboli recipe will win over everyone.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Preparing the Filling
- Cook the Chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, cook the chicken breast until fully cooked, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Crumble it into small pieces and set aside.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, bacon, shredded mozzarella, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the ranch.
Making the Dough (If Homemade)
If you’re making your own dough, follow these simple steps:
- Proof Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a larger bowl, mix flour, salt, and olive oil. Add the yeast mixture and knead until smooth.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough and let it rest in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size.
Assembling the Stromboli
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about 12×14 inches). This shape allows for easier rolling and ensures even filling distribution.
- Add the Filling: Spread the chicken, bacon, and cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch of border around the edges.
- Roll It Up: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Seal the edges by pinching them closed to prevent the filling from escaping.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cut Slits on Top: Make small slits along the top of the stromboli to allow steam to escape while baking.
Baking Tips
- Brush with Butter: Melt a small amount of butter and brush it over the top of the stromboli for added flavor and a golden crust. Sprinkle with a little extra garlic powder or Italian seasoning if desired.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Let it Rest: Allow the stromboli to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut and helps the filling set.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the stromboli into portions and serve with extra ranch dressing or marinara sauce on the side for dipping. A simple side salad, like Caesar or mixed greens, pairs beautifully with this dish. You can also serve it as an appetizer at gatherings or parties.
Tips for Perfect Stromboli
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft, chill it for about 10 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load it with filling, too much can cause it to burst. Stick to about 1 cup of filling for every 12-inch piece of dough.
- Use Egg Wash: If you prefer a shinier crust, use an egg wash instead of butter for brushing.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave for a minute or two.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch: Add buffalo sauce to the filling for a spicy twist.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a more balanced meal.
- BBQ Chicken: Substitute the ranch dressing with BBQ sauce for a barbecue-flavored stromboli.
- Cheesy Garlic Butter Crust: Brush the crust with garlic butter and sprinkle Parmesan for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use pre-made pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time!
Q2: Can I freeze the stromboli?
Yes, you can freeze stromboli before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.
Q3: Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella melts well, but cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses work nicely.
Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute with gluten-free dough to make it gluten-free.
Q5: How can I make it more crispy?
For a crispier crust, bake the stromboli on a pizza stone or place it directly on a baking rack.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is an irresistible recipe that combines comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor in each bite. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese wrapped in a golden crust, it’s a perfect choice for family meals, gatherings, or quick dinners. With easy customization options, it’s also versatile enough to make it your own. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to impress with this tasty twist on a classic stromboli!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe
Combining juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and gooey melted cheese, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is the ultimate comfort food. With a golden, flaky crust that wraps around this savory filling, it’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even game days. This recipe is easy to customize and has all the flavors of your favorite chicken bacon ranch combo, but in a fun, hand-held form.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried parsley
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 12x14 inches. - Assemble the Filling:
Spread the ranch dressing over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the ranch dressing. - Add Chicken and Bacon:
Evenly distribute the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon over the cheese layer. - Roll and Seal the Stromboli:
Carefully roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other, creating a log shape. Pinch the ends to seal and tuck them underneath the roll. Place the Stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush with Egg Wash and Season:
Brush the top with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with garlic powder and dried parsley for extra flavor. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. - Serve:
Allow the Stromboli to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add a few slices of jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Add Veggies: Include diced tomatoes, spinach, or green onions for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.