Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing, all enveloped in a warm, fluffy bread. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food that brings people together. Originating from the heart of American cuisine, stuffed breads have been a popular choice for gatherings and family dinners, offering a convenient way to enjoy a hearty meal in one hand.
What I love most about Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is its incredible taste and texture. The crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch, while the creamy ranch dressing ties all the flavors together beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this dish has become a favorite in many households. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients:
- 1 large loaf of Italian bread or French bread
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Filling
1. **Cook the Chicken**: If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can either boil, grill, or bake it. I usually prefer grilling for that smoky flavor. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. 2. **Cook the Bacon**: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. 3. **Mix the Filling**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. I like to use a spatula for this, as it helps to fold the ingredients without mashing them.Preparing the Bread
4. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed bread gets that perfect golden crust. 5. **Prepare the Bread Loaf**: Take your loaf of Italian or French bread and place it on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the bread in half lengthwise. Be gentle to avoid tearing the bread. You want to create a “boat” for your filling. 6. **Hollow Out the Bread**: Using your hands or a spoon, gently remove some of the soft bread from the inside of each half, creating enough space for the filling. Be careful not to remove too much; you want the bread to hold its shape. 7. **Brush with Olive Oil**: Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides of the bread. This will help to crisp up the bread while it bakes. You can use a brush or just rub it in with your fingers.Assembling the Stuffed Bread
8. **Fill the Bread**: Spoon the chicken and bacon mixture evenly into each half of the hollowed-out bread. Make sure to pack it in well, as this will help it hold together during baking. 9. **Top with Cheese**: If you have any leftover cheese, sprinkle it generously on top of the filling. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes. 10. **Close the Bread**: If you want, you can place the top half of the bread back on, or leave it open-faced for a more rustic look. If you choose to close it, gently press down to help the filling adhere.Baking the Stuffed Bread
11. **Wrap in Foil**: To keep the bread from getting too hard, wrap the stuffed loaf in aluminum foil. This will help to steam the bread while it bakes, keeping it soft and delicious. 12. **Bake**: Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. If you like your cheese extra bubbly and golden, you can unwrap the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. 13. **Check for Doneness**: After 25 minutes, carefully unwrap the foil and check the bread. The cheese should be melted, and the bread should be golden brown. If it needs more time, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.Serving the Stuffed Bread
14. **Let it Cool**: Once out of the oven, let the stuffed bread cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and serve. 15. **Slice and Serve**: Using a sharp knife, slice the stuffed bread into individual portions. I usually cut it into thick slices, about 2 inches wide, for a hearty serving. 16. **Garnish (Optional)**: If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. This adds a
Conclusion:
In summary, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their meal game. This recipe combines the savory flavors of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing, all enveloped in a warm, fluffy bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty dinner, a game-day snack, or a fun party appetizer, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your stuffed bread with a fresh side salad or some crispy veggies for a well-rounded meal. You can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite cheeses, vegetables, or even swapping out the chicken for turkey or beef. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so versatile! I encourage you to give this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread a try and share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative twists you added. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret diving into this deliciously satisfying dish. Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread: A Deliciously Easy Recipe to Try Today
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a mouthwatering stuffed bread filled with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, this savory dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 large loaf of Italian bread or French bread
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can either boil, grill, or bake it. I usually prefer grilling for that smoky flavor. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bread Loaf: Place your loaf of Italian or French bread on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the bread in half lengthwise.
- Hollow Out the Bread: Gently remove some of the soft bread from the inside of each half, creating enough space for the filling.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides of the bread.
- Fill the Bread: Spoon the chicken and bacon mixture evenly into each half of the hollowed-out bread.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle any leftover cheese generously on top of the filling.
- Close the Bread: Optionally, place the top half of the bread back on or leave it open-faced.
- Wrap in Foil: Wrap the stuffed loaf in aluminum foil.
- Bake: Place the wrapped bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Unwrap for the last 5-10 minutes for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
- Check for Doneness: After 25 minutes, unwrap the foil and check the bread. If needed, return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Let it Cool: Allow the stuffed bread to cool for about 5-10 minutes.
- Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, slice the stuffed bread into individual portions, about 2 inches wide.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top before serving for an extra touch.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as different cheeses or vegetables.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving for a warm, fresh meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
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