This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli brings together the irresistible flavors of a favorite sandwich in a fun, shareable roll. With tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey melted cheese all wrapped in golden pizza dough, this stromboli is perfect for family dinners, parties, or game days. The crispy Parmesan-topped crust adds a flavorful finishing touch, while optional green onions introduce a fresh, zesty note. Easy to customize and a breeze to prepare, this stromboli is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending comforting tastes with a bit of indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli:
This recipe is a delicious twist on classic flavors that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Packed with Flavor: The combination of ranch dressing, bacon, chicken, and cheese gives this stromboli an irresistibly savory, creamy, and slightly smoky taste.
Easy to Make: Using store-bought pizza dough makes it quick to assemble, while the ingredients are simple and accessible.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a family dinner, weekend lunch, or party appetizer, this stromboli is easy to serve and enjoy.
Kid-Friendly: With familiar ingredients like chicken, bacon, and cheese, it’s a kid-approved dish that’s great for picky eaters.
Customizable: You can switch up the filling ingredients based on your preferences, making it versatile and fun.
Key Ingredients:
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and taste. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Pizza Dough: The foundation of the stromboli, creating a soft, chewy interior with a crisp, golden exterior. You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, whichever you prefer.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Diced or shredded, this adds protein and a savory base to the filling. Grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken work well here.
Cooked Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that complements the creaminess of the ranch dressing. Turkey bacon can also be used for a leaner option.
Ranch Dressing: Acts as the base sauce, adding a tangy, herby flavor that makes this stromboli stand out from more traditional recipes.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic, stretchy cheese pull. For extra flavor, you can use a mozzarella-cheddar blend.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor on top, creating a lightly crispy crust with the olive oil.
Green Onions (Optional): These bring a bit of freshness and a slight bite to the filling. You can omit them if you’re not a fan.
Olive Oil: Used to brush the top of the dough, adding shine and helping the Parmesan adhere.
Salt and Pepper: A light seasoning to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and bacon.
All-Purpose Flour: For dusting the work surface to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for consistent baking.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Dust the Surface: Lightly dust your work surface with flour to avoid sticking.
Roll the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring an even thickness for consistent baking.
Step 3: Add Toppings
Spread Ranch Dressing: Evenly spread ranch dressing over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to help seal the stromboli.
Add Chicken and Bacon: Evenly sprinkle the diced or shredded chicken breast over the ranch dressing, then distribute the chopped bacon.
Add Cheese and Green Onions: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and, if desired, chopped green onions for added flavor.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Roll the Dough: Start from a long edge, rolling the dough into a tight log, taking care to keep the filling inside.
Seal the Edges: Pinch the seams and ends to fully seal the stromboli.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Place the stromboli seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the top with olive oil for a golden color and slight crisp.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for flavor and a cheesy crust.
Cut Slits for Steam: Use a knife to cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Step 6: Bake
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
Rest and Slice: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to set slightly.
Slice and Serve: Slice into thick pieces and enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture!
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
Dipping Sauces: Serve with extra ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even garlic butter for added flavor.
Side Salad: A fresh side salad with crisp greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a refreshing contrast to the rich stromboli.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, or grilled zucchini pair well and add balance to the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Stromboli makes great leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for a quicker option. For a crispy crust, reheat in an air fryer or a toaster oven.
Variations on Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli:
Get creative with this recipe by trying these fun variations:
BBQ Chicken: Replace the ranch dressing with barbecue sauce and add red onions for a BBQ chicken twist.
Veggie-Packed: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an extra boost of veggies.
Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce inside for a spicy variation.
Cheesy Upgrade: Use a cheese blend, such as mozzarella and cheddar, for extra cheesy flavor.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is sure to become a favorite with its melty cheese, savory fillings, and golden crust. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a comforting meal, each slice offers a delicious twist on classic flavors that everyone will love. Enjoy every cheesy, ranch-flavored bite!
