Indulge in the ultimate flavor combination with this mouthwatering chicken bacon ranch sandwich. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing come together between brioche buns for a satisfying meal.
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for lunch or dinner and will please both kids and adults alike. Add your favorite toppings and serve with Baked Beans and Ground Beef for a delicious complete meal.
There's something about the combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch that is so addicting. I've made this for dinner multiple times but my favorite way to serve it is meal prepping it for my husband's work lunch. More tips on this later. This reminds me of a more indulgent version of my Bagel BLT Sandwich which is a must-try if you're looking for something a little lighter.
Reasons You'll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich Recipe
Versatile and Customizable: The chicken bacon ranch sandwich is the best sandwich for versatility. You can choose different types of bread, add your favorite cheese, and include additional toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado.
Easy to Prepare: Making this sandwich is relatively quick and straightforward. Everything is made using one skillet which saves on dishes.
Perfect for Lunch or Dinner: The chicken bacon ranch sandwich is a versatile option that works well for both lunch and dinner. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with air fryer parsnips, beet and cucumber salad, or potato soup. It's a filling and satisfying choice that can keep you energized throughout the day.
Ingredients
Brioche buns - Any bun can be used to make your sandwich. Brioche buns are soft, rich, and sweet. If you can't find brioche, I recommend trying Hawaiian buns which are very similar to brioche.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts - These are cooked up in the skillet then shredded. Chicken thighs can be substituted for added flavor. Leftover chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken can be used for quicker options. Be sure to toss in excess grease from the bacon because this will elevate the flavor of the chicken tremendously.
Ranch seasoning mix - I am referring to the dry ranch mix. This is used to season the chicken before it's pan fried.
Ranch dressing - To make the chicken creamy and packed with ranch.
Bacon - I used a center cut bacon for this recipe and it was absolutely delicious in these bacon-filled chicken sandwiches. Bacon crumbles can be substituted but they won't taste quite as good as fresh bacon. The bacon grease from the cooked bacon is what we use to cook the chicken in. However, if you don't have enough olive oil can be added to the skillet.
Romaine lettuce - For added crunch.
Freshly grated smoked gouda cheese - Using smoked gouda adds to the smokiness of the sandwich. It gives the best flavor and since it's shredded it melts nicely into the hot chicken. Any cheese you have on hand can be used. Cheddar cheese is a great option. You can also opt for slices of cheese if that's what you prefer.
Pickle slices - To elevate the flavor of the sandwich and add a little crunch.
How It's Made
Step 1. In a cast iron skillet over medium high heat cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside on a plate with paper towels.
Step 2. While the bacon is cooking season the chicken breasts on all sides with the ranch seasoning. Set aside.
Step 3. When the bacon is done, drain the cast iron skillet of excess bacon grease leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Place the skillet over medium high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is completely cooked through.
Step 4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred on a plate or in a medium bowl using two forks. Return to the hot skillet and turn the heat on low to medium heat. Then add the ranch dressing and smoked gouda. Stir until well combined and until the cheese has melted. If the cheese is not melting you can increase the heat a little.
Step 5. Remove the chicken from the heat and start assembling the sandwiches. Add the romaine lettuce, pickles, bacon, and cheesy ranch chicken to the brioche buns. Serve immediately.
Other Toppings for Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
Tomato: Add a layer of fresh and juicy tomato slices to add a refreshing element to the sandwich. It provides a nice contrast to the savory chicken and bacon.
Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado brings a creamy and buttery texture to the sandwich. It adds richness and pairs well with the ranch dressing.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion can add a hint of sharpness and a touch of bite to the sandwich. It complements the flavors of the chicken and bacon.
Jalapeños: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños to give your sandwich a spicy kick. The heat of the jalapeños pairs well with the cool ranch dressing.
Barbecue Sauce: For a twist on the classic chicken bacon ranch sandwich, drizzle some barbecue sauce on the chicken before assembling the sandwich. It adds a smoky and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Tips and Tricks
Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, such as fresh chicken, thick-cut bacon, and a good-quality ranch dressing. Using fresh ingredients will enhance the overall taste and texture of your sandwich.
Toast the bread: Toasting the bread adds a nice crunch and prevents it from becoming soggy when you assemble the sandwich. You can toast it in a toaster, on a grill, or in a skillet with a little butter.
Customize with toppings: Add your favorite toppings to make the sandwich your own. Lettuce, tomatoes, avocado slices, red onions, or pickles can add freshness and extra layers of flavor.
Serve immediately: For the best taste and texture, enjoy the chicken bacon ranch sandwich right after assembling it. This way, the bread stays crispy, and the flavors are at their peak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make a chicken bacon sandwich recipe ahead of time but I have some tips to ensure the sandwich stays fresh and does not become soggy. Prepare the ingredients but keep them in separate containers until you're ready to eat.
You can keep the shredded chicken mixture and bacon together. I would then store the lettuce and pickle together. Then the brioche buns should be stored separately. When you're ready to eat the sandwich you can easily heat the bacon and chicken then place on a bun. Finally, top with lettuce and pickle and then you're good to go.
The preference for serving a chicken bacon ranch sandwich hot or cold can vary depending on personal taste. If you're eating the sandwich right after it's made then you'll have a warm sandwich. However, if you're meal prepping you can serve it cold or warm. I've had it both ways and both ways taste great.
Absolutely, to do so substitute the brioche buns for slider buns. Slice the slider buns in half, then add the chicken and bacon. Brush the tops of the buns with butter and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
Crack Chicken is a popular dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and typically other ingredients like crispy bacon and shredded cheese. The chicken in this recipe is extremely similar to that of crack chicken, the only thing this is missing is cream cheese. If you make the chicken in a slow cooker using cream cheese then yes you'll have yourself a delicious crack chicken sandwich.
Storing
If you've made too much, I recommend storing the chicken mix, bacon, lettuce and pickle in a separate airtight container. Storing an assembled sandwich could result in one that's soggy. The chicken and bacon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for ideal freshness. Before adding to the refrigerator, allow the chicken mixture cool to room temperature before storing to avoid too much condensation.
Reheating
To reheat place the chicken mix in a microwave safe container and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir then place back in the microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Repeat until the chicken mix is completely reheated. Microwave the bacon on a microwave safe dish for 10-15 seconds or until fully reheated. Finally, assemble the sandwich with lettuce and pickle and serve immediately.
More Recipes You'll Love
The Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ package ranch seasoning
- ¾ cup ranch dressing
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 pieces of romaine lettuce
- ¾ cup freshly grated smoked gouda cheese
- Pickle slices
If Cooking in Slow Cooker
- 8 oz cream cheese see slow cooker instructions below
Instructions
- In a cast iron skillet over medium high heat cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside on a plate with paper towels.
- While the bacon is cooking season the chicken breasts on all sides with the ranch seasoning. Set aside.
- When the bacon is done, drain the cast iron skillet of excess bacon grease leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet. Place the skillet over medium high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is completely cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred on a plate or in a medium bowl using two forks. Return to the hot skillet and turn the heat on low to medium heat. Add the ranch dressing and smoked gouda. Stir until well combined and until the cheese has melted. If the cheese is not melting you can increase the heat a little.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and start assembling the sandwiches. Add the romaine lettuce, pickles, bacon, and cheesy ranch chicken to the brioche buns. Serve immediately.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with ranch seasoning mix.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
- Add ranch dressing and 8 ounces cream cheese to the slow cooker. The original recipe doesn't call for cream cheese but this ingredient will be needed to keep the chicken moist and creamy.
- Cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Once done assemble the sandwich with bacon, lettuce, pickles, and the chicken mix. Enjoy the bacon chicken ranch sandwich immediately.
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