This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory chicken, crispy bacon, tangy ranch dressing, and melted cheeses all nestled inside a warm French bread loaf. Each slice offers a burst of cheesy deliciousness that’s guaranteed to be a hit with any crowd.
Ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a tasty appetizer, this recipe is both easy to prepare and utterly irresistible. With its golden, crispy exterior and gooey, flavorful filling, this stuffed bread is sure to become a new favorite. Savor every bite of this simple, crowd-pleasing dish!
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf French bread
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 cup cooked, chopped bacon
– 1 cup ranch dressing
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ¼ cup chopped green onions
– 1 tbsp melted butter
– ½ tsp garlic powder
– ½ tsp dried parsley
Directions:
1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and hollow out the center, leaving a 1-inch shell.
3. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped bacon, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and green onions. Mix well.
4. Stuff Bread: Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out bread halves, pressing it down gently.
5. Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
6. Butter Mixture:** In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture over the top of the bread.
7. Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6
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Recipe Background:
This stuffed bread is inspired by the beloved combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch—a trio of flavors that never disappoints. By stuffing these ingredients into a French bread loaf, it becomes a shareable, interactive dish perfect for gatherings, parties, or a special family dinner. The contrast between the crispy bread and the creamy, cheesy filling creates a delightful texture and flavor in every bite.
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Ingredient Tips:
– Bread Choice: While French bread works best, you can also use Italian, sourdough, or ciabatta for a sturdy crust and soft interior.
– Chicken Preparation: Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or pre-cooked chicken strips are great time-savers. Shredding the chicken ensures it blends well with the other ingredients.
– Bacon Options: Freshly cooked bacon offers the best flavor, but pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits can be used for convenience.
– Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch works well, but homemade ranch (using sour cream, mayonnaise, and herbs) adds a fresh, customizable touch.
– Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella and cheddar for Monterey Jack, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
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Serving Suggestions:
– Appetizer Platter: Slice the bread into small portions and serve with dipping sauces like extra ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.
– Game Day Snack: Pair it with nachos, wings, and sliders for a hearty game-day spread.
– Dinner Side: Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or a bowl of soup like tomato basil or creamy potato for a balanced meal.
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Storage and Reheating:
– Storing Leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days.
-Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy.
-Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the filling up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble and bake.
Creative Variations:
– **Spicy Ranch Twist:** Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to the filling for a kick. Use spicy ranch dressing for extra heat.
– **Veggie-Packed Version:** Incorporate chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
– **Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Bread:** Swap some ranch dressing for buffalo sauce for a tangy twist.
– **Herb Infusion:** Mix fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil into the filling or sprinkle them on top after baking for a fresh finish.
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Nutritional Information (per serving):
– Calories: 480 kcal
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Protein: 27g
– Fat: 26g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 3g
This recipe is high in protein and satisfying fats, making it a filling and comforting dish.
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Pairing Suggestions:
– Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy ranch and cheese flavors.
– Beer Pairing: A light lager or pale ale pairs well with the rich filling.
– Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Serve with iced tea, lemonade, or citrusy sparkling water for a family-friendly option.
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Customization Ideas for Different Diets:
– Low-Carb/Keto Version: Use a keto-friendly flatbread or cauliflower bread instead of French bread.
– Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free baguette or French loaf.
–Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese and ranch dressing alternatives.
– Vegetarian Variation: Replace chicken and bacon with mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based meat substitutes like tempeh bacon.
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Flavor Enhancements and Extra Seasonings:
– Herb and Garlic Butter: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives to the melted butter for an aromatic crus
– Garlic Ranch Bread: Mix roasted garlic into the ranch dressing for a deeper flavor.
– Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Add cream cheese to the filling for an extra creamy, cheesy center.
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