The Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is a mouthwatering combination of savory grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing. This sub is perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that make it a favorite among sandwich lovers.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Sub:

  • 4 boneless, skinless grilled chicken thighs (or any preferred cooked chicken)

  • 6 pieces thick-cut bacon

  • 6 slices of tomato

  • 2 cups shredded lettuce

  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp pepper

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose BBQ rub

  • 4 toasted sub rolls

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with BBQ rub and grill them at medium-high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

2. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set aside.

3. Toast the Bread: Grill or toast the sub rolls until crispy and golden.

4. Assemble the Sub: On a cutting board, create a base layer of shredded lettuce. Then, add the grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and sliced tomatoes. Chop everything into bite-sized pieces and mix thoroughly.

5. Season and Add: Season with salt and pepper, then add the shredded mozzarella cheese and ranch dressing. Mix everything together.

6. Fill the Rolls: Scoop the mixture onto the toasted sub rolls and serve immediately.

Nutrients (estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~600 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 35g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Sodium: 800mg

• Potassium: 400mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g

• Vitamin A: 2000 IU

• Vitamin C: 15mg

• Calcium: 250mg

• Iron: 3mg

The Appeal of the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub

What makes the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The grilled chicken thighs, seasoned with BBQ rub, offer a smoky and savory base that pairs beautifully with the crispy bacon. The addition of fresh vegetables, such as the shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes, adds a refreshing crunch that lightens the richness of the meats and ranch dressing. Together, these ingredients create a sandwich that is both satisfying and easy to eat. The chopped nature of the filling makes it easy to combine all the ingredients into each bite, ensuring every mouthful is packed with flavor.

The Importance of Grilled Chicken in the Sub

Chicken is often a go-to protein for sandwiches, and in the case of this Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, the grilled chicken thighs are the star of the show. Grilling the chicken imparts a smoky, charred flavor that complements the richness of the bacon and ranch dressing. The BBQ rub applied to the chicken adds an extra layer of spice, making the chicken flavorful on its own. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this sub because they are juicy, tender, and more flavorful than chicken breasts. When grilled properly, the chicken becomes the perfect foundation for the other ingredients to shine.

Crispy Bacon: The Ultimate Sandwich Addition

Bacon is one of those ingredients that elevates any dish, and in this sandwich, it adds both crunch and savory goodness. The crispy bacon complements the grilled chicken and provides a nice contrast to the soft texture of the toasted sub roll. It’s the kind of ingredient that everyone loves, bringing both flavor and texture to the sandwich. The bacon, cooked until crispy, adds a satisfying crunch with each bite, while its smoky, salty flavor enhances the richness of the ranch dressing and the chicken.

Fresh Vegetables: Shredded Lettuce and Sliced Tomatoes

While the meats take center stage in the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub, the vegetables add an important balance. Shredded lettuce contributes a fresh, crunchy element that lightens the richness of the meats and creamy dressing. The sliced tomatoes add juiciness and a subtle sweetness, helping to create a balanced flavor profile. Together, these fresh vegetables offer texture and freshness, ensuring the sandwich is well-rounded and not too heavy.

The Role of Ranch Dressing in the Sub

No chicken bacon ranch sandwich would be complete without the addition of ranch dressing. The creamy, tangy flavor of ranch dressing ties all the ingredients together, balancing the smoky chicken and bacon with its cool richness. The dressing also serves as a moisture element, preventing the sandwich from becoming dry. In this recipe, ranch dressing is added to the chopped filling, coating the chicken, bacon, and vegetables in its creamy goodness. For those who prefer a spicier kick, ranch dressing can be easily swapped with a spicy ranch or added with a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

The BBQ Rub: Adding Flavor to the Chicken

The BBQ rub applied to the chicken before grilling brings an additional layer of flavor to the dish. The rub’s spices create a rich, savory crust on the chicken that complements the smoky taste of the grilled meat. The rub can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you like it smoky, sweet, or spicy. It’s this simple addition that makes the grilled chicken stand out and adds an extra depth of flavor to the sub. The seasoning is absorbed into the chicken as it cooks, enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich.

The Toasted Sub Roll: A Perfect Base for the Filling

The sub roll is the unsung hero of the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub. It’s the perfect vehicle to hold the hearty filling, and its toasted edges provide a satisfying crunch that complements the softer ingredients. Toasting the sub roll ensures that the bread doesn’t become soggy from the ranch dressing and other toppings, helping it maintain its structure while also adding a golden, crispy exterior. The toasted roll gives the sandwich its satisfying texture, making each bite enjoyable from start to finish.

Assembling the Perfect Sub

Assembling the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is as easy as it is delicious. The shredded lettuce provides a base layer of freshness, followed by the grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes. After chopping everything into bite-sized pieces, the mixture is seasoned with salt and pepper and then tossed with the mozzarella cheese and ranch dressing. This ensures that every bite has a balanced combination of all the ingredients. Once assembled, the mixture is scooped into the toasted sub rolls, creating a hearty sandwich that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

The Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is a versatile meal that can be served on its own or paired with a variety of sides. For a complete lunch or dinner, consider serving it with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a pickle for some extra crunch. You could also pair it with a creamy coleslaw or potato salad for a more indulgent meal. For a lighter option, a side of fresh fruit or a vegetable platter would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sub. A cold beverage, such as iced tea or lemonade, would be a perfect drink to enjoy with this hearty sandwich.

Nutritional Breakdown

The Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub offers a balanced mix of macronutrients, including protein from the chicken and bacon, healthy fats from the bacon and ranch dressing, and carbohydrates from the sub roll. While the sandwich is rich and filling, it also provides a good source of essential vitamins and minerals from the lettuce, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. The 600 calories per serving make it a satisfying meal that is sure to keep you full and energized for hours. However, it is important to note that the sub is higher in fat and sodium, so it should be enjoyed in moderation, particularly if you’re watching your intake of these nutrients.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Sandwich

In conclusion, the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines all the best ingredients of a classic sandwich. The grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing come together to create a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or dinner, this sub is sure to become a favorite in your sandwich repertoire. The simplicity of the ingredients, along with their perfect balance, makes this sandwich a go-to for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.