Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread Recipe

Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf of Italian bread or French bread (about 12 inches); 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced); 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or homemade ranch dressing); 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup green onions (chopped, optional); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

By funsmagcom@gmail.com

January 21, 2025

0

9

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is an irresistible combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheese, all wrapped inside soft, warm bread. It’s an indulgent yet easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or as a fun snack for game day. You can serve it as a main dish or slice it up for appetizers, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

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The recipe below will walk you through how to make this delicious stuffed bread from start to finish, offering tons of flavor, texture, and satisfaction in every bite.

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When it comes to comfort food, few things beat the satisfaction of a stuffed bread, especially one packed with the delicious combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese. This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread recipe combines all the indulgent flavors of a classic chicken bacon ranch sandwich, but it’s wrapped in soft, pillowy bread and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re craving something savory for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing snack for a gathering, this recipe will be a hit.

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The combination of crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and ranch dressing is a tried-and-true flavor profile that is universally loved. Pair it with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as extra ranch or even marinara, and you have a meal that is sure to satisfy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is slightly cooled, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook the bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Ranch Sauce

Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine the ranch dressing, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and dried dill. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Prepare the Bread

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 12 x 14 inches. Try to keep the dough even in thickness for uniform baking.

Step 5: Assemble the Stuffed Bread

Spread the ranch sauce: Spread the prepared ranch sauce evenly across the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
Add the filling: Evenly distribute the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. If using, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for added flavor and color.
Roll up the dough: Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one long edge and rolling tightly to enclose the filling. Pinch the edges of the dough to seal it.
Place on baking sheet: Place the stuffed bread seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Bread

Brush with butter: Use a pastry brush to brush the top of the stuffed bread with melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder over the butter for extra flavor.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. You can check the bread by gently pressing on the top; it should feel firm and hollow when tapped.

Step 7: Serve

Slice and serve: Let the stuffed bread cool for 5 minutes before slicing into thick, generous pieces. Serve it hot with extra ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips and Tricks

Shredding chicken: For even easier chicken preparation, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the cooked chicken. Just place the chicken breasts in the bowl and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds.
Using store-bought dough: If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, ensure it’s at room temperature for easier rolling. If it’s too cold, it may be difficult to stretch and shape.
Customizing the filling: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. You can also use different cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone, for a gooey, melty effect.
Make it spicy: For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ranch sauce.

Customization Ideas

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch: Substitute the ranch dressing for buffalo sauce or mix buffalo sauce with ranch dressing to create a spicy variation. You can also add some crumbled blue cheese for even more flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a veggie mix for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version of this stuffed bread.
Cheese Variations: Mix up the cheeses with mozzarella, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for a different twist on the flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

Dips: Serve with extra ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a creamy spinach dip for a decadent dipping experience.
Side dishes: Pair with a crisp green salad, potato wedges, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the stuffed bread.

Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the best things about Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is that it can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on busy days or when entertaining guests. Here’s how to prepare it in advance:

Making Ahead of Time:

Assemble and Refrigerate: You can fully assemble the stuffed bread, including rolling the dough, adding the chicken, bacon, and ranch filling, and rolling it into the log shape. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
Freezing: If you want to make the stuffed bread ahead of time and store it for a future meal, you can freeze it before baking. After assembling the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden and fully cooked. You may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated all the way through.

Reheating Leftovers:

Oven Method: To reheat leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread, wrap it in foil and bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps keep the bread soft and prevents it from drying out.
Microwave Method: If you’re in a rush, you can microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes. While this won’t keep the bread as crispy, it will ensure the filling is warm and cheesy.

Serving Ideas and Presentation

For a stunning presentation and enjoyable eating experience, consider pairing your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread with various sides or dipping sauces. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your dish:

Pairings:

Crisp Salad: Serve the stuffed bread with a fresh side salad made with greens like arugula, spinach, or romaine, topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad will contrast nicely with the rich, cheesy bread.
Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce: Add a small bowl of melted garlic butter for dipping. The buttery richness will complement the flavors in the stuffed bread.
Sweet Potato Fries: Serve alongside some crispy baked sweet potato fries for a touch of sweetness to balance the savory stuffing. You can drizzle some ranch dressing on top for extra flavor.
Coleslaw: For a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the bread, try serving a tangy coleslaw. The crunch and acidity of coleslaw will provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy and cheesy stuffed bread.
Pickled Veggies: Serve with pickled vegetables, such as cucumbers, jalapeños, or carrots, to add a touch of tanginess and acidity. These can help balance the richness of the bread and add extra flavor layers.

Presentation Tips:

Slice it beautifully: Use a serrated knife to cut the stuffed bread into even slices. Cutting the bread into thick slices will allow each piece to showcase the filling inside—this also helps when serving it to guests or as a snack.
Serve on a wooden board: For a rustic and appealing presentation, serve the stuffed bread on a large wooden cutting board. Add a few dipping sauces on the side in small bowls, and place some fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) around the bread to enhance the visual appeal.
Garnish: For a finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the stuffed bread before serving. The greenery adds color and a fresh flavor to balance the rich, cheesy filling.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go as planned in the kitchen, but don’t worry! Here are some common issues you might encounter when making Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread, and how to solve them:

1. Dough Won’t Roll Out

If your dough is too stiff or resistant to rolling, it might be too cold. Let it rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, and it should soften up and become more pliable. Alternatively, use a rolling pin to gently roll out the dough, pressing with light pressure to stretch it evenly.

2. The Filling Leaks Out During Baking

If you find that your filling is leaking out during baking, it’s possible that the dough wasn’t sealed tightly enough. Make sure to pinch the seams tightly, ensuring the dough is fully enclosed around the filling. You can also fold the ends of the dough inward to close off the filling more securely before rolling.

3. The Bread is Too Soft or Soggy

If the bread becomes too soft or soggy, it’s likely that the filling was too wet. Be sure to drain the bacon well after cooking and ensure the chicken is shredded evenly without excess moisture. Additionally, if using homemade ranch dressing, be mindful of the amount of liquid you add to the sauce—consider thickening it slightly with a bit of cream cheese or sour cream.

4. The Bread is Not Golden Brown

If your bread isn’t turning golden brown, try brushing it with a little more melted butter or olive oil before baking. You can also increase the temperature slightly (up to 400°F or 205°C) during the final 5 minutes of baking to help achieve that golden, crispy crust. Be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

5. The Bread Doesn’t Have Enough Flavor

If you feel like your stuffed bread lacks flavor, consider adding more seasoning. You can sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, or even smoked paprika over the top of the dough before baking. You can also add a pinch of salt to the filling to enhance the overall taste.

Variations and Creative Twists

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread recipe is versatile, and you can get creative with various ingredients and seasonings to make it your own. Here are a few variations to inspire you:

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

For fans of spicy food, swap the ranch dressing for buffalo sauce, or combine the two to create a tangy, spicy filling. Adding blue cheese or crumbled feta will further enhance the buffalo flavor. You can even mix a little hot sauce directly into the chicken mixture for extra heat.

BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

Replace the ranch sauce with barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet twist. You can also use smoked or barbecued chicken to bring out the flavors of the BBQ sauce. Add a touch of smoked paprika to the filling for a deeper flavor.

Vegetarian Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for grilled vegetables or sautéed mushrooms. You can use plant-based bacon alternatives for the smoky flavor and add a generous portion of cheese to keep it indulgent and rich. For a fun twist, add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.

Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Bread

If you prefer a non-meat version, make a creamy spinach and artichoke filling with a mixture of cream cheese, spinach, artichoke hearts, and mozzarella. This variation is similar to a spinach and artichoke dip but wrapped inside soft bread, making it a perfect vegetarian option.

Italian Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

Infuse some Italian flavors by adding some mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or basil to the chicken filling. You can even swap out ranch for a creamy pesto sauce for an Italian-inspired twist.

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a delightful and satisfying dish that can be customized to your taste preferences. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese wrapped in warm bread, it’s a combination that’s sure to please. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a weekend snack, or as a party dish, this recipe is bound to impress.

The best part is the recipe’s flexibility—it can easily be tailored to suit different flavor profiles, dietary preferences, and cooking methods. You can make it ahead of time, store it, and bake it fresh when needed. Plus, it’s easy to serve alongside a variety of sides and dipping sauces to suit any occasion.

Enjoy the process of making this delicious stuffed bread, and most importantly, enjoy the fantastic meal you’ve created. Happy cooking, and may every bite be as satisfying as the last!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a mouthwatering, indulgent meal that brings together a perfect combination of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon, juicy chicken, creamy ranch sauce, and melted cheese all come together in a soft, golden-brown bread crust. Whether you enjoy it for a weeknight dinner, as a party appetizer, or as a comfort food treat, this dish is sure to be a favorite in your household. With endless possibilities for customization, this recipe will stay relevant no matter your dietary preferences or flavor cravings.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Yield: 4-6