Description
Savor the deliciousness of Chicken Bacon Ranch Bread, featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and a melty cheese blend, all baked in a crispy loaf of French or Italian bread. Ideal for a satisfying meal or a delightful appetizer!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup of ranch dressing
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 loaf of French bread or Italian bread
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should be white and juices should run clear.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop into small pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Taste the mixture and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Slice the loaf of French or Italian bread in half lengthwise and hollow out some of the soft bread from the inside to create a cavity for the filling.
- Lightly brush the inside of each half of the bread with olive oil.
- Spoon the chicken, bacon, and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out halves of the bread, packing it tightly.
- Sprinkle any leftover shredded cheese on top of the filled bread.
- Wrap each half of the filled bread in aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes. For a crispier top, unwrap the foil for the last 5 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, unwrap the foil and check if the cheese is melted and bubbly. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, slice, and enjoy your Chicken Bacon Ranch Bread!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking.
- You can add vegetables like diced bell peppers or green onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes