Introduction
If you love crispy golden dough, gooey cheese, and the unbeatable trio of chicken, bacon, and ranch, then you NEED to try this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli! 🤤🔥
Imagine biting into a perfectly baked stromboli filled with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and creamy ranch dressing, all wrapped in a buttery, golden crust. It’s like a chicken bacon ranch pizza roll, but better.
This recipe is super easy to make, perfect for game day, family dinners, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing comfort food. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken!
Let’s get rolling (literally)! 🚀🍕
Ingredients
For the Stromboli:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for brushing crust)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
For Dipping (Optional but Recommended!):
- Extra ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Dough
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle (about 10×14 inches).
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
- Spread an even layer of ranch dressing over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the ranch.
- Add the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon evenly across the dough.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 3: Roll It Up!
- Carefully roll up the dough from the long side, tucking the filling inside as you go.
- Pinch the edges tightly to seal the stromboli shut.
- Place the stromboli seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
- Brush the top with melted butter (or egg wash for extra shine).
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a little extra Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Slice and Serve!
- Let the stromboli cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with extra ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy every gooey, crispy, cheesy bite! 😍
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations of Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli
- Buffalo Chicken Version: Add Buffalo sauce for a spicy twist! 🌶️🔥
- BBQ Chicken Twist: Swap the ranch for BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
- Veggie-Packed: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for extra goodness.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Mix in some pepper jack or provolone for extra cheesiness! 🧀
Storage and Reheating
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Wrap leftovers in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Best Way to Reheat
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, but it may soften the crust.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! It makes this recipe super quick and easy.
2. Can I use uncooked chicken?
No, make sure to use cooked, shredded chicken before assembling the stromboli.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stromboli and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 8 hours before baking.
4. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for sharpness—but mix in any cheese you love!
5. Can I use a different sauce instead of ranch?
Yep! Garlic butter, Alfredo sauce, or BBQ sauce all work great.
6. Do I need to use an egg wash?
No, but it gives the crust a beautiful golden shine. Butter works too!
7. Can I make this with puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Just bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes instead.
8. What’s the difference between a stromboli and a calzone?
A stromboli is rolled up like a log, while a calzone is folded into a half-moon.
9. How do I prevent the stromboli from bursting open?
Seal the edges tightly and poke a few small holes on top to let steam escape.
10. What sides go well with stromboli?
Serve with Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or crispy fries for a full meal!
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re making it for game day, family dinner, or meal prep, this recipe is a total winner.
🔥 So grab your pizza dough, some ranch, and ALL the cheese, and let’s make stromboli magic happen! 🚀🍕✨
