The Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is my tasty twist on the Chopped Italian sandwich, combining grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch dressing. I like to chop all the ingredients—lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese—on a cutting board, then mix them before sliding everything into a toasted hoagie roll or French baguette.
This easy recipe uses an air fryer or microwave for quick prep. It’s filled with mozzarella and crisp veggies, making it customized and budget-friendly. I love pairing it with a cold glass of sweet tea in the backyard for a perfect summer meal that’s sure to feed a crowd.
Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub
The Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is easy to make and can feed the whole family. It’s perfect for meal prep—plan your weekly meals and use leftovers from earlier in the week for a quick fix. The grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch create a delicious blend of flavors, making it a satisfying and unforgettable bite every time.
Preparing Your Chicken Bacon Ranch Delight
Start by grilling the chicken with a flavorful BBQ rub on medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Using an instant-read thermometer helps ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.
While the chicken is grilling, crisp the bacon in a skillet and lightly toast the sub rolls on the grill grates or in the oven. Set everything aside for easy assembly.
Next, shred some lettuce on a cutting board, layering it with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh sliced tomatoes. A sharp knife or butcher cleaver works best to chop everything finely into even pieces—just be careful while chopping!
Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then add shredded mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Mix well to incorporate everything nicely.
Finally, scoop the mixture into the toasted sub rolls or hoagie rolls. Each bite brings a perfect blend of savoriness, crunchiness, and refreshing veggies. It’s easy to make ahead of time; just refrigerate the ingredients and assemble when ready for a quick, delicious chicken bacon ranch chopped sandwich.
Tools and Gear You’ll Need
For this Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, you’ll need a knife for chopping, a sturdy cutting board, and a large bowl to mix everything. You can use a toaster for crisping the bread or a frying pan if you prefer to toast it on the stovetop.
Best Sides to Serve with Your Sub
Enhance your meal with these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These fries’ natural sweetness and crispiness beautifully balance the sub’s savoury flavors.
- Tangy Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage and a light, zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich ingredients.
- Classic Dill Pickles: The tart and crunchy pickles provide a great palate cleanser, cutting through the creamy ranch and bacon.
- Refreshing Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh berries or a light melon salad offers a sweet, juicy finish, balancing the sub’s savoury elements.
Quick Storage and Leftovers Tips
Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and bacon mixture a Day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and simply reheat before assembling the subs.
Storing Leftovers: For a fresh taste, keep leftover subs wrapped in foil or plastic in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy your delicious Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub—a perfect, easy-to-make meal that will satisfy everyone at the table!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the chicken extra juicy, rest it for a few minutes after grilling before chopping. If you like extra crispy bacon, cook it on medium heat and drain it on a paper towel. Always use a sharp knife for even chopping, and don’t skip toasting the bread—it adds a fantastic crunch to every bite.
Variations and Customizations
Customize your Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub with your favorite ingredients. Add avocado slices and spicy jalapenos, or swap mozzarella for cheddar cheese. For a unique twist, try using different types of bread, like sourdough or a brioche bun. This sub is so versatile that it can be made vegetarian by replacing the chicken and bacon with crispy tofu or grilled veggies.
Conclusion
The Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is more than just a sandwich—it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s easy to customize and sure to please everyone. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a picnic, this sub offers a perfect blend of juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch.
With its versatility and simple ingredients, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations for a fresh twist each time you prepare it!
FAQS
- What is the best type of bread for a Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub?
The best bread options include hoagie rolls, French baguettes, or ciabatta rolls. These breads hold up well to the filling and offer a nice crunch when toasted, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the sandwich. - What is Chicken Bacon Ranch made of?
It’s made with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. - What does the Chicken and Bacon Ranch Melt have?
It includes grilled chicken, bacon, melted cheese, ranch dressing, and fresh veggies in a toasted sandwich. - How many calories are in a Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub?
It typically has 600-800 calories, depending on the size and additional toppings.
Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless grilled chicken thighs (Or any cooked chicken you prefer)
- 5 pieces of crispy thick cut bacon
- 5 slices of tomato
- 2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon all purpose bbq rub
- 4 toasted sub rolls
Instructions
- Season and Grill the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with an all-purpose BBQ rub. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
- Cook the Bacon and Toast the Rolls: While the chicken grills, cook your bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy. For added flavor and texture, lightly toast your sub rolls on the grill until golden brown.
- Prepare the Base Layer: On a large cutting board, spread out a base layer of shredded lettuce. This will add a fresh crunch to the sub.
- Add and Chop the Ingredients: Place the grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and diced tomatoes onto the cutting board. Using a large knife, chop everything together thoroughly, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Season and Add Toppings: Sprinkle the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and drizzle with ranch dressing. Chop and mix again to ensure everything is well combined and coated evenly.
- Assemble the Sub: Scoop a generous portion of the chopped mixture onto the toasted sub roll. Press it down slightly to pack in the ingredients.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sub immediately for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with a side of chips or a crisp pickle for a complete meal.