How to Make a Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich is a combination of succulent grilled chicken, crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing served on a toasted roll.

In this recipe guide, I will cover everything from marinating the chicken to achieving the crispness on the grill and assembling the ingredients in the right way.

Ingredients needed for the chicken bacon ranch sandwich

You'll need the following ingredients:

1. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. Bacon strips
3. Ranch dressing
4. Lettuce leaves
5. Tomato slices
6. Red onion slices
7. Sliced cheese (optional)
8. Salt and pepper
9. Olive oil
10. Sandwich rolls

Preparing the chicken for the sandwich

1. Start by marinating the chicken breasts. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you desire.
2. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade, making sure they are evenly covered. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts onto the grill.
4. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
5. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
6. Then, slice the chicken breasts into thin, even slices.

Cooking the bacon for the sandwich

1. While the chicken is grilling, cook the bacon in a separate pan over medium heat.
2. Place the bacon strips in a single layer and cook until crispy, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon.
4. Once the bacon is cooked to your desired crispiness, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease.
5. Blot the bacon with another paper towel to remove any remaining grease. Crumble the bacon into small pieces or leave them in strips, depending on your preference.

Assembling the chicken bacon ranch sandwich

1. Take your sandwich rolls and slice them in half horizontally.
2. Spread a generous amount of ranch dressing on the bottom half of each roll. .
3. Layer the grilled chicken slices on top of the ranch dressing. Make sure to evenly distribute the chicken to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
4. Next, add the crispy bacon on top of the chicken.
5. Place lettuce leaves, tomato slices, and red onion slices on top of the bacon.
6. If you're a cheese lover, add a slice of your favorite cheese on top of the vegetables. This step is optional.
7. Finally, place the top half of the roll on the sandwich, pressing lightly to secure all the ingredients together.

Variations and substitutions for the chicken bacon ranch sandwich

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or even crispy chicken tenders for a different texture and flavor.
• For a leaner option, swap out the bacon for turkey bacon.
• Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.

Tips for making the perfect chicken bacon ranch sandwich

• The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
• Make sure your grill is properly preheated before adding the chicken.
• For extra crispy bacon, cook it in the oven instead of on the stovetop.
• To toast the rolls, you can use a toaster or place them cut-side down on a hot skillet for a minute or two until they turn golden and slightly crispy.
• When layering the ingredients, start with the wetter ingredients and follow with the drier ingredients to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
• If you're adding cheese to your sandwich, place it on top of the chicken while it's still warm.

Enjoy!