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Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a simple, comfort-filled dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing are stuffed into a loaf of French bread and topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. The result is a mouthwatering, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 loaf of French bread
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
1 cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried parsley

Directions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the bread: Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. Hollow out the center of each half, leaving about a 1-inch shell.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped bacon, ranch dressing, mozzarella, and green onions. Mix well.
Stuff the bread: Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out bread halves and press down gently to pack it well.
Add cheese and butter: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl and brush this over the top of the bread.
Bake: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden finish.
Cool and serve: Let the stuffed bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Nutrients

Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

Why Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread Works

This dish works so well because of its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon and juicy chicken create a satisfying filling, while the creamy ranch dressing ties everything together with a smooth, tangy flavor. Stuffing the mixture into a loaf of French bread results in a deliciously crispy outer shell with a warm, gooey interior. The mozzarella and cheddar cheeses melt into the filling, creating a cheesy, indulgent experience in every bite.

Not only does Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread have great flavor, but it also offers the convenience of being easy to assemble. With minimal prep time and a short baking time, you can have this dish on the table in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a filling dinner or something to serve at a casual get-together, this dish is sure to satisfy.

The Filling: Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch Perfection

The heart of this dish lies in the filling, which combines three classic ingredients—chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing. The chicken provides lean protein and a tender texture, while the bacon adds a salty, crispy bite that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the bread and the creaminess of the ranch dressing. The ranch dressing adds a tangy, creamy element that enhances the overall flavor, making each bite rich and savory.

To make the filling, simply combine shredded cooked chicken, chopped bacon, ranch dressing, and shredded mozzarella cheese in a large bowl. The mozzarella helps to bind everything together and adds a bit of melty, cheesy goodness. A handful of chopped green onions adds a burst of freshness and flavor, providing balance to the richness of the bacon and cheese.

The Bread: A Perfect Vessel

French bread is the perfect choice for this stuffed bread dish. Its sturdy, crusty exterior provides the ideal base for the filling, allowing it to hold up well during baking while still maintaining a satisfying crunch. The inside of the bread is hollowed out to create a well for the filling, and this step ensures that the bread doesn’t become soggy. By leaving about a 1-inch shell of bread, you maintain the integrity of the loaf while making room for the cheesy, savory filling.

Once the bread is hollowed out, the filling is packed tightly inside each half of the loaf. The bread soaks up some of the flavors from the filling as it bakes, creating a savory, flavorful crust that complements the creamy, cheesy interior. The result is a perfectly balanced dish with every bite offering a combination of crunchy and soft textures.

Adding the Cheese and Topping

To make this dish even more irresistible, a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese is sprinkled over the top of the stuffed bread before baking. The cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the mozzarella and ranch dressing. When the bread is baked, the cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer, making every bite rich and satisfying.

To add extra flavor and a beautiful finish, the top of the bread is brushed with a mixture of melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley. The butter helps the top of the bread become golden and crispy, while the garlic powder and parsley provide aromatic flavors that elevate the entire dish. This final touch makes the stuffed bread even more delicious and gives it an extra burst of flavor with each bite.

Baking and Serving

Baking the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a simple process. After the bread is filled and topped with cheese and the buttery garlic mixture, it’s placed in the oven to bake for 20-25 minutes. The cheese will melt and bubble, and the bread will become golden and crispy on top. If you want an extra-crispy finish, you can broil the bread for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve a beautifully browned and bubbly top.

Once the bread is done, allow it to cool slightly before slicing it into individual portions. This helps the cheese set a little bit, making it easier to slice and serve. Each slice is packed with flavor, making it the perfect handheld meal for a cozy dinner or a fun appetizer for a party.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. For a lighter meal, serve it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the stuffed bread. If you’re looking for something heartier, you could serve it with a side of crispy fries or potato wedges for a complete comfort meal.

This dish also works well as part of a larger spread for casual gatherings, such as a game night or family get-together. It’s easy to slice and share, making it a crowd-pleasing option that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or an appetizer, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each serving of Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread contains approximately 480 calories, which is reasonable for a filling meal. The dish has 28g of fat, primarily from the mozzarella, cheddar, and bacon, providing a rich and indulgent texture. The protein content is 27g per serving, thanks to the chicken and bacon, making this a satisfying meal that provides good nutritional value.

With 31g of carbohydrates and 1g of fiber per serving, the dish is not particularly high in carbs, but it’s not a low-carb option either. The sugar content is minimal at 2g per serving, and the sodium content is 516mg, which is moderate given the ingredients like ranch dressing and bacon. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium bacon or dressing to reduce the sodium content.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Flavorful Meal

In conclusion, Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheese inside a crunchy French bread loaf makes for a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you serve it over rice, couscous, or pasta, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. It’s a fun, flavorful meal that combines everything you love about comfort food into one delicious package.