Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli

Introduction:

If you’re a fan of savory, cheesy, and satisfying comfort food, then you’re in for a treat with this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli recipe. Bursting with flavor and easy to customize to your taste, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you crave something hearty and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• Olive oil, for brushing
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• All-purpose flour, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle shape, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Spread ranch dressing evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle diced or shredded chicken evenly over the ranch dressing layer, followed by chopped bacon pieces.
5. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and bacon, ensuring even coverage.
6. Optionally, add chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log, enclosing the filling completely. Pinch the seams and ends to seal.
8. Place the rolled Stromboli seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the surface with olive oil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Make a few small slits on the top of the Stromboli to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Once baked, remove the Stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into thick pieces.
12. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious flavors of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese all wrapped up in a perfectly crispy crust.

 

Serving Tips:

1. For a complete meal, serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
2. Pair it with additional ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
4. Cut the Stromboli into slices using a sharp knife or pizza cutter for easy serving.

Storage Tips:

1. Store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in aluminum foil.
2. Refrigerate leftover Stromboli for up to 3-4 days.
3. To reheat, place individual slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
4. Alternatively, you can reheat slices in the microwave for quick individual servings, but the crust may not be as crispy as when baked in the oven.
5. Avoid freezing already baked Stromboli, as the texture of the crust and filling may change upon thawing and reheating. However, you can freeze unbaked Stromboli for later use by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the recipe instructions.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most out of your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor for every bite. Enjoy!

Variations:

1. Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for a kick of heat.
2. BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli: Substitute ranch dressing with BBQ sauce for a smoky and tangy twist. You can also add sliced red onions and cilantro for extra flavor.
3. Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli: Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the Stromboli for a spicy buffalo kick. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
4. Vegetarian Ranch Stromboli: Skip the meat and load up the Stromboli with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach. Add extra cheese for a gooey, cheesy filling.
5. Mediterranean Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli: Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella and add sliced black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach to the filling. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
6. Pesto Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli: Spread pesto sauce over the dough instead of ranch dressing and top with diced chicken, bacon, and shredded mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
7. Caprese Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli: Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese along with the chicken and bacon for a delicious Italian-inspired variation. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
8. Tex-Mex Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli: Add cooked black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and diced avocado to the filling mixture. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for dipping.
9. Greek Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli: Use Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning as a healthier alternative to ranch dressing. Add sliced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the filling.
10. Hawaiian Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli: Top the filling with diced pineapple, cooked ham or Canadian bacon, and mozzarella cheese for a sweet and savory tropical twist.

Conclusion:

With its irresistible combination of flavors and easy preparation, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and elevate your mealtime with this mouthwatering twist on a classic dish.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli recipe? A1: Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly fine for this recipe. You can also make your own pizza dough if preferred.

Q2: Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon? A2: Absolutely! Feel free to use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative to traditional bacon.

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? A3: Yes, you can omit the chicken and bacon and add your favorite vegetables instead, such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, or mushrooms.

Q4: How can I make the crust extra crispy? A4: Brushing the surface of the Stromboli with olive oil before baking helps achieve a crispy crust. You can also sprinkle a bit of cornmeal on the baking sheet before placing the Stromboli on it.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese? A5: Of course! While mozzarella cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

Q6: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A6: Yes, you can assemble the Stromboli ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Q7: How can I make the ranch dressing from scratch? A7: You can make ranch dressing from scratch using mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Q8: Can I freeze leftovers? A8: It’s not recommended to freeze already baked Stromboli as the texture may change. However, you can freeze unbaked Stromboli for later use.

Q9: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch? A9: Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds great flavor to the Stromboli.

Q10: How many servings does this recipe make? A10: This recipe typically makes about 4-6 servings, depending on how thick you slice the Stromboli. Adjust the ingredients accordingly for larger or smaller portions.