Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub: Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that will redefine your lunchtime expectations! Forget those bland, uninspired sandwiches of the past. We’re diving headfirst into a culinary masterpiece that’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Imagine juicy, tender chicken mingling with crispy, smoky bacon, all slathered in a creamy, tangy ranch dressing and nestled in a perfectly toasted sub roll. Sounds divine, right?

While the exact origins of the Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub are shrouded in the delicious mists of modern American cuisine, its popularity is undeniable. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, satisfying flavors combined in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Think of it as a deconstructed chicken bacon ranch pizza, but portable and even more customizable!

What makes this sub so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The savory chicken and bacon provide a hearty foundation, while the cool ranch dressing adds a refreshing zest. The soft bread complements the crispy bacon, creating a symphony of sensations with every bite. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick and satisfying weekend lunch. I know you’ll love this recipe as much as I do!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• For the Bacon:
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• For the Ranch Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of black pepper
• For the Sub:
• 2 (12-inch) sub rolls, or 4 smaller rolls
• 4 slices cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started with the star of our sub – the chicken! We want it to be juicy and flavorful, so here’s how I like to do it.

1. Prep the Chicken: First, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can slice them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly. I usually aim for about 1/2 inch thickness.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. This is our simple but effective spice rub. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated. Don’t be shy!
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be nice and hot before you add the chicken. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
4. Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure! If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. You want it to cook through without burning.
5. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
6. Slice or Shred: After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or shred it with two forks. I personally prefer slicing for this sub, but shredded chicken works great too!

Cooking the Bacon

Next up, the bacon! Crispy bacon is a must for this sub. Here’s my go-to method.

1. Cook the Bacon: There are a few ways to cook bacon, but I prefer either pan-frying or baking.
   • Pan-Frying: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet. This helps render the fat slowly and evenly. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
   • Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon slices on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
2. Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet or baking sheet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease.
3. Crumble the Bacon: Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. You can use your hands or a knife.

Making the Ranch Dressing

Now, let’s whip up the creamy, dreamy ranch dressing that will tie everything together. This homemade version is so much better than store-bought!

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.
2. Add the Ranch Mix: Add the dry ranch dressing mix, chopped chives (if using), chopped parsley (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix Well: Whisk everything together until well combined.
4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the ranch dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper to suit your taste. If the dressing is too thick, add a little more buttermilk until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the ranch dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important for the best flavor! You can even make it a day ahead of time.

Assembling the Sub

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling the Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub! This is where all our hard work pays off.

1. Prepare the Sub Rolls: Slice the sub rolls lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a hinge so you can open them up like a book.
2. Spread the Ranch Dressing: Spread a generous amount of ranch dressing on both sides of each sub roll. Don’t be shy! This is what makes the sub so creamy and delicious.
3. Add the Lettuce: Sprinkle a layer of shredded lettuce on the bottom half of each sub roll.
4. Add the Chicken: Top the lettuce with the sliced or shredded chicken. Distribute it evenly over the lettuce.
5. Add the Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken. Again, be generous!
6. Add the Cheese: Place two slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) on top of the bacon.
7. Melt the Cheese (Optional): If you want the cheese to be melted and gooey, you can either:
   • Broil: Place the assembled subs on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn!
   • Microwave: Microwave the assembled subs for 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted.
8. Add Optional Toppings: If desired, add diced tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion on top of the cheese.
9. Close the Sub: Carefully close the sub rolls.
10. Serve: Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Subs immediately and enjoy! They’re best when the bread is still soft and the ingredients are fresh.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch dressing or sprinkle some hot sauce on the chicken for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Use your favorite cheese! Pepper jack, provolone, or mozzarella would all be delicious.
• Add Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy and healthy element to the sub.
• Grill the Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the sub.
• Make it a Wrap: Instead of a sub roll, use a large tortilla to make a Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your life! The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and your favorite toppings nestled in a soft, toasted sub roll is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies every craving and leaves you wanting more.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Forget takeout; this sub is faster, fresher, and far more delicious. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a game-day gathering, everyone will rave about it.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch dressing or include some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
* Cheese, please!: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a unique twist.
* Veggie boost: Load it up with your favorite veggies! Sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, or even some avocado would be fantastic additions.
* Make it a melt: After assembling your sub, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Wrap it up: For a lighter option, ditch the sub roll and wrap the filling in a large tortilla.
* Deconstructed Sub Salad: If you’re watching your carbs, skip the bread altogether and create a delicious salad with all the same ingredients. Simply chop up the chicken and bacon, toss with ranch dressing, and add your favorite toppings.

I’ve made this Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub countless times, and each time it’s a hit. I’ve tried different variations, added my own personal touches, and even shared it with friends and family who are now equally obsessed. It’s a recipe that’s truly become a staple in my household, and I have a feeling it will become one in yours too.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven (or grill!), and get ready to create a sandwich masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear what you think of this amazing Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub. Happy cooking!

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July 11, 2025 by Melissa