The chicken and bacon ranch melt is a delicious sandwich that combines grilled chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy ranch dressing. This mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite for many. But what exactly is in the chicken and bacon ranch melt? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this sandwich so crave-worthy.
Grilled Chicken
The star of the chicken and bacon ranch melt is the grilled chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seasoned and grilled until juicy and flavorful. The grilling process gives the chicken a nice char while keeping it moist and tender on the inside. Grilled chicken provides a hearty base for the other sandwich ingredients and plenty of protein to keep you satisfied.
Bacon
No sandwich is complete without the smoky, salty crunch of bacon. Crispy bacon strips are layered on top of the chicken to provide a savory, rich counterpoint to the other ingredients. The bacon also adds texture to each bite. The chicken and bacon ranch melt typically uses thicker, applewood smoked bacon for the deepest bacon flavor.
Cheese
Ooey, gooey melted cheese holds the chicken and bacon ranch melt together and takes it to the next level of comfort food. Traditional mozzarella or a mozzarella blend melts beautifully over the hot chicken and bacon. The melted cheese helps adhere the other layers together and gives an extra cheesy punch to each bite.
Ranch
What really brings the chicken and bacon ranch melt together is the cool ranch dressing. Ranch adds a creamy, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken and bacon. It also provides moisture to balance the texture of the grilled chicken and crispy bacon. The ranch ties together all the components into one cohesive, craveable sandwich.
Bread
To hold this winning combination of ingredients, the chicken and bacon ranch melt needs a sturdy yet soft bread. Most versions use a crusty Italian or French bread loaf. The bread should be able to stand up to the moist fillings while still being pillowy enough to bite through. Ciabatta and baguettes are common choices for the perfect chicken and bacon ranch sandwich vessel.
Onions and Tomatoes
For extra fresh flavor and texture, the chicken and bacon ranch melt often includes sliced onions and tomatoes. Thinly sliced red or white onions add a sharp bite to balance the richness of the bacon and cheese. Sliced tomato contributes a juicy sweetness and acidity. Together, the onions and tomatoes give each bite more complexity.
Lettuce
Crisp lettuce adds another layer of crunch and freshness to the chicken and bacon ranch melt. Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce helps offset the heartiness of the chicken and bacon. The light lettuce also helps cut through the creaminess of the melted cheese and ranch dressing.
The Assembly
To construct the ultimate chicken and bacon ranch melt, start with a slice of crusty bread. Layer the grilled chicken on the bottom, followed by the crispy bacon. Next add the shredded lettuce and sliced onions and tomatoes. Top with plenty of shredded mozzarella or cheese blend. Place another slice of bread on top and butter the outsides of the bread. Grill the sandwich on a panini press or hot skillet until the bread is toasty and the cheese is fully melted and gooey. Finally, serve the melty goodness with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Conclusion
With grilled chicken, smoky bacon, melted cheese, fresh veggies, and cool ranch all packed between slices of crusty bread, the chicken and bacon ranch melt has something for everyone. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite enjoyable. Next time you’re looking for a hearty yet crave-worthy sandwich, look no further than this satisfying chicken and bacon ranch melt.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Provides protein and a meaty base |
| Bacon | Adds a smoky, salty crunch |
| Cheese | Gives a melted, gooey texture |
| Ranch | Contributes a creamy, tangy flavor |
| Bread | Holds all the ingredients together |
| Onions | Adds sharp bite to balance richness |
| Tomatoes | Provides sweetness and acidity |
| Lettuce | Gives crisp freshness and crunch |
With its winning combination of textures and flavors, it’s easy to see why the chicken and bacon ranch melt is a favorite sandwich for so many. The juicy grilled chicken provides a protein-packed base while crispy, smoky bacon adds rich crunchy layers. Oozing melted cheese binds it all together as creamy ranch dressing gives each bite a cool, tangy punch. Fresh onions, tomatoes and lettuce contribute brightness and crunch. All of this deliciousness gets piled high on crusty bread made for grabbing and dipping into extra ranch. Next time hunger strikes, satisfy cravings the delicious way with a chicken and bacon ranch melt.
Nutrition Information
Along with being delicious, the chicken and bacon ranch melt provides a good dose of nutrition in one handheld sandwich. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a typical chicken and bacon ranch melt:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 670 |
| Total Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 1510mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 43g |
| Vitamin C | 8% |
| Calcium | 25% |
| Iron | 10% |
As you can see, the chicken and bacon ranch melt provides a significant amount of protein at 43g to keep you feeling full and satisfied. It also contains 25% of your daily calcium needs from the cheese as well as 10% of your daily iron. Vitamin C comes from the tomato and lettuce. With 670 calories and 32g of fat per sandwich, it makes for a hearty, filling meal. Overall, the chicken and bacon ranch melt provides major flavor along with key nutrients your body needs.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken and Bacon Ranch Melt
Crafting the ideal chicken and bacon ranch melt is easy when you follow these helpful tips:
- Pound the chicken breasts thin for quick and even grilling.
- Let the bacon cool slightly before assembling the melt so it gets a bit crispy.
- Butter and lightly toast the bread before building the sandwich.
- Spread ranch on both slices of bread to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Use shredded mozzarella so it melts easily and evenly.
- Press down lightly with a spatula when grilling to help melt the cheese.
- Cut the sandwich diagonally to get the full layered cross-section in each bite.
With tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, melted mozzarella and a generous slathering of cool ranch all piled high on toasty bread, the chicken and bacon ranch melt makes for a truly mouthwatering sandwich. Whether enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this flavor-packed sandwich never disappoints. So next time a growling stomach calls, answer with this crave-worthy chicken and bacon ranch melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for the chicken and bacon ranch melt?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for the chicken and bacon ranch melt. Chicken breasts are easy to pound thin for quick, even grilling. Chicken tenders can also work well since they are already thin.
What kind of bacon works best?
For the chicken and bacon ranch melt, a thick-cut applewood smoked bacon provides the deepest, smokiest flavor. Thinner sliced bacon tends to get too crispy and brittle when grilled. Let the bacon cool for 1-2 minutes before assembling the sandwich so it can crisp up while still having some chew.
What cheese melts the best?
For ideal melting and stretch, shredded mozzarella or a mozzarella blend is the best bet for the chicken and bacon ranch melt. The shredded cheese melts evenly through the sandwich. Provolone, cheddar, swiss or pepper jack can also work if you prefer a sharper cheese flavor.
What kind of bread should I use?
A crusty Italian or French bread works great to contain the juicy, saucy fillings of the chicken and bacon ranch melt. Baguettes, ciabatta rolls and focaccia bread all have the sturdiness and texture needed to stand up to grilling while still being soft enough to bite through.
Can I use bottled ranch dressing?
Absolutely! While homemade ranch is always delicious, good quality bottled ranch dressing can be used with equally great results. Just look for thick, creamy ranch made with quality ingredients. Buttermilk ranch has that signature tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and bacon.
What is the best way to cook the sandwich?
Grilling the assembled chicken and bacon ranch melt on a panini press or in a hot skillet gives the melty, toasty result you’re looking for. The bread gets crusty and golden as the cheese melts through. Cooking it slowly over medium heat helps the fillings heat through without burning the outside.
Alternative Versions
While the classic combination is hard to beat, the chicken and bacon ranch melt also lends itself to some fun, tasty twists. Try out one of these alternative versions for a new flavor experience.
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Melt
For a spicy kick, use buffalo chicken tenders instead of plain grilled chicken. Mix some buffalo sauce into the ranch dressing as well. Top with crumbled blue cheese for tang.
BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Melt
Substitute bbq sauce for the ranch dressing and add sliced red onion, grated cheddar and fresh cilantro for a melt with a smoky, southwestern vibe.
Italian Chicken Bacon Ranch Melt
Use Italian seasoned chicken breasts and add sliced roasted red peppers, provolone, a shake of Italian herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to give this sandwich a Mediterranean flair.
Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Melt
Season the chicken with fajita or taco seasoning and the ranch dressing with hot sauce. Top with sliced avocado, pepper jack cheese and fried onion strings for a spicy, tex-mex inspired melt.
Enjoy the Flavor-Packed Combo
However you make it, the chicken and bacon ranch melt is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese and cool ranch provides a party for your taste buds in every bite. While it makes for a great restaurant-style sandwich, the chicken and bacon ranch melt is also easy and delicious to make at home. Grill it up for a weekday lunch or weekend dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its crave-worthy flavors and hearty satisfaction, the chicken and bacon ranch melt is a go-to sandwich for chicken, bacon and cheese lovers everywhere.