The Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and cool ranch dressing all piled onto your favorite bread. Every bite combines creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors, making it a satisfying and easy meal for any day.
I love making this sandwich when I want something quick but filling. The ranch dressing adds a nice tang that balances the smoky bacon and juicy chicken perfectly. I like to chop everything up before putting it together—it makes every bite even better and easier to eat.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this sandwich is with some fresh lettuce and tomato for a little crunch and brightness. It’s great for lunches on the go or a casual dinner, and I always find myself going back for seconds. It’s one of those simple sandwiches that just feels like a little treat in the middle of the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are easiest to chop and cook quickly. If you want more flavor, try using thighs or rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.
Bacon: Crisp bacon adds a smoky crunch. Turkey bacon works as a leaner choice, but it won’t be quite as crispy or rich.
Ranch seasoning and dressing: Using a mix allows you to control thickness with mayo and sour cream. Store-bought ranch dressing can also work to save time.
Veggies: Red onion, celery, lettuce, and tomato add crunch and freshness. Feel free to swap in pickles or cucumbers for a different twist.
Hoagie roll: A soft but sturdy roll holds everything well. You can use sandwich bread or a large bun if you don’t have hoagie rolls.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Juicy?
Cooking chicken breasts evenly without drying them out takes a little care. Here’s what helps me:
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan on medium, so the chicken cooks through without burning.
- Cook about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness—use a meat thermometer if you have one (165°F/74°C inside).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before chopping. This keeps the juices inside, making it tender and moist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – I use it to cook the chicken quickly and evenly, making sure it stays juicy.
- Pan or Baking Sheet – For cooking bacon until crisp; a lined sheet makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing Bowl – Perfect for combining the ranch dressing and tossing the chopped ingredients together.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – Helps chop chicken, bacon, and veggies cleanly and safely.
- Hoagie or Sandwich Roll – The sturdy bread that holds all the filling without getting soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked turkey or ham for different flavors.
- Add shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper Jack for a cheesy twist.
- Mix in chopped pickles or jalapeños for extra tang or heat.
- Use a different dressing like blue cheese or vinaigrette for a new flavor profile.
Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons prepared ranch dressing)
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ½ cup finely chopped lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 hoagie/sub sandwich roll (about 8-10 inches)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sandwich takes about 25 to 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes cooking the chicken and bacon, 5 minutes chopping and mixing the ingredients, and a few minutes assembling your sandwich.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the inside is no longer pink and it’s golden brown outside. When done, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Cook and Chop the Bacon
While the chicken rests, cook your bacon in a separate pan until it’s crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove extra grease, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Ranch Dressing Mixture
In a mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix. If you’re using prepared ranch dressing, you can skip adding seasoning and just mix the ranch with mayo and sour cream.
4. Prepare and Combine the Filling
Chop the rested chicken into small pieces and add it to the bowl with your ranch dressing mixture. Then add the chopped red onion, celery, lettuce, and diced tomato. Toss everything together gently.
5. Add the Bacon and Assemble Your Sandwich
Fold the chopped bacon pieces into the chicken and veggie mixture, saving a little extra if you want to use it as a topping. Slice your hoagie roll lengthwise, leaving a hinge if you like. Fill it generously with the chopped chicken bacon ranch filling. Top with any extra bacon or lettuce if you wish.
6. Serve
Enjoy your sandwich right away for the best taste and freshness. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or chop the chicken and mix it directly with the ranch dressing and other ingredients. It saves time and adds extra flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sandwich components separate if possible to avoid soggy bread. Reassemble and enjoy cold or warmed slightly.
Can I Use a Different Bread?
Yes! You can use sandwich bread, buns, or wraps if you don’t have a hoagie roll. Just pick something sturdy enough to hold the chopped filling without falling apart.
Is There a Dairy-Free Way to Make the Ranch Dressing?
Sure! You can substitute the mayo and sour cream with dairy-free versions available at many stores. Alternatively, use a dairy-free ranch dressing to keep all the flavor without dairy.