- This recipe for Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli will treat you to a delicious fusion of sensations. It consists of a thin crust pizza dough filled with melted mozzarella cheese, savory bacon, and tender rotisserie chicken, all of which are enhanced to perfection with creamy ranch dressing.
In our home, family dinners have always had customs, humor, and perhaps even creativity in addition to food. A classic example of this is the Stromboli with Chicken Bacon Ranch. The idea came about one hectic weekday when there was a motley assortment of leftovers in the refrigerator, combined with a little bit of culinary ingenuity. I turned what was supposed to be pizza night into something more substantial because I was craving something quick. This stromboli was the end outcome, and it became an instant family favorite after becoming a big hit. These days, this dish always brings us together at the table to remember that unplanned evening when we came up with the recipe, which ultimately made us all a little closer.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli
This recipe for Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is a culinary delight, full of special touches that elevate it above other dishes. Its rapid prep time and convenient use of refrigerated pizza dough make it perfect for hectic weeknights. The rich tastes of black-pepper bacon and rotisserie chicken combine with creamy ranch dressing to produce a flavorful and satisfying combo. Additionally, the stromboli structure adds to the fun and interaction of the meal, making it ideal for both informal family dinners and hosting guests. It’s an experience that transports the flavors of an Italian trattoria right into your kitchen, not just a meal.
Ingredients Notes
Each ingredient in the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli plays a crucial role in creating a mouth-watering meal that’s sure to please any crowd. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll need and why:
- Refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough: It makes for a quick and simple base, reducing preparation time and guaranteeing a crispy exterior.
- Ready-made ranch dressing adds a rich, tangy flavor that melds well with the bacon and chicken.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken is a tasty and time-saving option that’s ideal for packing into stromboli.
- When combined with the dough’s suppleness, chopped cooked bacon adds a smoky, peppery crunch.
- Diced Mozzarella Cheese: It melts into a gooey, cheesy coating that perfectly binds the other ingredients together.
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli
Ready to dive into making your own Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli? Here’s how you can turn these simple ingredients into a delicious feast:
- Set Up Your Workspace: Start by heating your oven to 400°F and putting parchment paper on a large baking sheet. This guarantees that your stromboli won’t stick and simplifies cleanup.
- Put the Stromboli together: Using the parchment paper, roll out your pizza dough until it forms a thin, even layer. Using a tiny border to help seal the roll, generously spread ranch dressing over the dough. Divide the shredded chicken equally, then top with a thick layer of mozzarella cheese and the bacon.
- Roll and Lock: Roll the dough carefully toward the other edge, starting at one side and keeping everything tight with the parchment as a guide. To stop leaks, fold the ends under and make sure the seam is facing down to seal the ends.
- To ensure that the filling cooks evenly, cut several diagonal slits in the top of the dish to let out steam. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and golden brown, in a preheated oven.
- Present and Savor: Before slicing, let the stromboli to cool slightly. To add even more flavor, serve warm with extra ranch dressing.
Storage Options
The Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days after baking. To prevent it from drying out, carefully wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. Slice the stromboli and freeze the pieces, separately wrapped, for up to one month if you want to keep them longer. Reheat in the microwave or oven until well heated.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Dough: To make this recipe acceptable for people who are sensitive to gluten, use a gluten-free pizza dough.
- Various Proteins For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with roast beef, turkey, or even plant-based proteins like tofu.
- Cheese Varieties: Although mozzarella is a traditional option, feel free to try other kinds as well, such cheddar for a tangier taste or an Italian cheese blend for a more nuanced flavor.
- Not a ranch? No problem: For a different flavor profile, consider Caesar dressing or a herbed béchamel sauce in place of ranch dressing if you’re not a fan of it.
- You may easily adapt the stromboli to your tastes or to use any ingredients you happen to have on hand with these easy tweaks.
