Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is the perfect savory dish for those who love the flavors of ranch, chicken, and bacon. It combines a crispy, golden-brown loaf of French bread with a creamy and cheesy filling that’s packed with the irresistible flavors of chicken, bacon, ranch, and melty cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea, a fun appetizer, or a delicious party treat, this stuffed bread is guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to prepare Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread, with all the tips and tricks you need to make this dish perfect every time. From the ingredients to the baking instructions, we’ve got you covered!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are simple, easy-to-find items that will help you create a mouthwatering dish:
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1 loaf of French bread
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
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1 cup ranch dressing
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Ingredients Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize the recipe or adjust it for dietary preferences, here are a few substitutions you can try:
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Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or grilled chicken breast. You can also opt for shredded turkey if you prefer a lighter alternative.
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Bacon: If you’re avoiding bacon, you can substitute it with turkey bacon or skip it altogether. You can also use cooked sausage for a different twist.
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Cheese: Feel free to swap mozzarella and cheddar with other cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicier kick or provolone for a smoother taste.
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Ranch Dressing: While ranch is classic for this recipe, you can try a healthier version of ranch or use blue cheese dressing if you enjoy that flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making this delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread.
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
The first step in creating this cheesy, savory dish is preparing the loaf of French bread. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Next, slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. You’ll want to hollow out the center of each half to create a cavity for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bread, as you want the halves to remain intact.
Once the bread is hollowed out, set the two halves aside. You should have a nice, hollow base for the chicken and bacon filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
The filling for this stuffed bread is the star of the show. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with delicious flavors. To make the filling, combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
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Shredded chicken: Use about 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. You can either use rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts and shred them for the filling.
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Chopped bacon: You’ll need 1 cup of cooked bacon, chopped into small pieces.
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Ranch dressing: Add 1 cup of ranch dressing to the mixture. The ranch dressing is what gives the filling its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
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Shredded mozzarella cheese: Use 2 cups of mozzarella cheese for that gooey, melty cheese effect.
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Shredded cheddar cheese: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a sharp, savory flavor.
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Chopped green onions: 1/4 cup of green onions adds a burst of fresh flavor to the filling.
Mix all the ingredients together until they are well-combined. This will create a creamy, cheesy filling that’s ready to be stuffed into the bread.
Step 3: Season the Bread
Before stuffing the bread, brush the inside of each hollowed-out bread half with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. This will help the bread crisp up in the oven and add flavor.
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley over the buttered bread. The garlic powder gives a subtle savory flavor, while the parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Step 4: Stuff the Bread
Now it’s time to stuff the bread! Take the prepared chicken and bacon mixture and spoon it into the hollowed-out halves of the French bread. Be sure to pack the mixture in evenly, pressing it down slightly to make sure the bread is well-filled. You want to ensure that every bite is packed with the savory, creamy filling.
Once the bread halves are filled, you’re ready to bake!
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Place the stuffed bread halves onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking. Bake the stuffed bread in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
You’ll know the bread is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden-brown and crispy on the edges. The aroma will be heavenly as the filling bakes to perfection.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the bread is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Cut the bread into portions, and serve it hot for the best experience. The stuffed bread should be cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is great on its own as a main course, but it can also be served with a variety of sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it as a fun appetizer at parties or gatherings.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread
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Use fresh bread: For the best texture and flavor, use a fresh loaf of French bread. A day-old loaf might be a little too stale and hard to work with.
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Don’t overstuff: Be sure to stuff the bread evenly, but don’t overfill it. You want to make sure there’s enough space for the bread to crisp up around the filling.
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Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes to avoid overcooking the crust or burning the cheese. The goal is a perfectly crispy exterior and a melted, gooey interior.
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Customize the filling: Feel free to get creative with the filling! Add your favorite herbs or seasonings, or try mixing in other ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a rich, indulgent dish, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a recipe serving of 8):
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Calories: 450-500 per serving
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Fat: 30g
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 4g
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you enjoyed making Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread, you might want to check out these other delicious, cheese-filled recipes:
These recipes are just as easy to prepare and perfect for any meal or snack!
FAQs About Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread
1. How much protein is in a Chicken Bacon Ranch?
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a protein-packed dish, thanks to the combination of cooked chicken and bacon. On average, one serving of this dish contains approximately 30 grams of protein. This makes it a filling and satisfying meal, perfect for those looking to get a good dose of protein in their diet.
2. When did Chicken Bacon Ranch become popular?
The Chicken Bacon Ranch flavor combination gained popularity in the early 2000s, especially in the fast food and casual dining industries. It became a household favorite due to its rich, creamy ranch dressing paired with savory chicken and bacon. Over time, it has appeared in various forms, including sandwiches, pizzas, wraps, and, of course, stuffed bread like the recipe shared here.
3. What are the nutrition facts on Chicken Bacon Ranch flatbread?
A typical Chicken Bacon Ranch flatbread contains around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion size. The nutrition facts usually break down as follows:
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Fat: 20-25g
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Protein: 20-25g
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Carbohydrates: 30-35g
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Sodium: 700-900mg
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Fiber: 2-3g
For more accurate nutritional values, it’s best to check the specific recipe or brand of flatbread you’re using, as these values can vary.
4. How much sodium is in Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza?
The sodium content in a Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza can be quite high due to the ranch dressing, cheese, and bacon. On average, a slice of Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza may contain around 600-900mg of sodium. This amount can increase significantly if the pizza has extra toppings or a thicker crust. If you’re watching your sodium intake, it’s advisable to enjoy this dish in moderation or make a homemade version with less salt.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is the ultimate comfort food, with its crispy bread, creamy filling, and mouthwatering flavors of chicken, bacon, and cheese. It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun weekend meal, this stuffed bread is sure to satisfy your cravings.
With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a savory masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it up hot, enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness, and watch as your friends and family devour it in no time. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread: A Savory, Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a savory, cheesy masterpiece filled with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. Baked to perfection, this deliciously stuffed bread is ideal for a hearty meal or snack. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in comfort food, this recipe will definitely hit the spot!
Ingredients
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1 loaf of French bread
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
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1 cup ranch dressing
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
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Prepare the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, hollowing out the center to create a cavity for the filling.
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Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
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Season the Bread: Brush the inside of the hollowed-out bread with melted butter. Sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley over the buttered bread.
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Stuff the Bread: Spoon the chicken and bacon mixture into the hollowed-out bread halves, packing it in evenly.
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Bake the Bread: Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
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Serve: Slice and serve while hot! Enjoy this savory, cheesy treat!
Notes
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Substitute Options: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ranch dressing and vegan cheese. For a gluten-free version, opt for a gluten-free French bread loaf.
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You can add extra toppings like diced tomatoes or jalapeños to customize the flavor.
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Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for a quick snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 loaf (1/4 of stuffed bread)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg