If you're on a diet, look away now. This never has and never will be a health food blog, 'cause I love junk food way too much to ever give it up, and this recipe doesn't even pretend to be healthy. But oh, is it good!
Bacon, tons of ooey, gooey cheese, and a thick slab of crusty french bread--what more could you ask for? If you liked my chicken bacon ranch pasta or my chicken bacon ranch pizza, you're going to love this recipe, too! Make it for a snack, a meal, or even a party appetizer, but whatever you do, make it soon!
Chicken Bacon Ranch French Bread
Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 35 min
Serves 8
1/2 pound bacon, diced
2 large chicken breasts, diced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 large tomato halved, seeds removed and diced
2 whole green onions, sliced and divided
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup ranch dressing, plus more for serving
1 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup grated fiesta blend cheese, divided
1 loaf French bread, cut in half lengthwise
Preheat oven to 375°F.
2 large chicken breasts, diced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 large tomato halved, seeds removed and diced
2 whole green onions, sliced and divided
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup ranch dressing, plus more for serving
1 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup grated fiesta blend cheese, divided
1 loaf French bread, cut in half lengthwise
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Pour off some of the bacon grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan. Return pan to burner and heat to medium-high heat. Season chicken with ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Add seasoned chicken to pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, tomatoes, and half of the green onions, bacon pieces, and cheese.
In a small bowl stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Pour ranch mixture over chicken mixture and stir to combine.
Place both halves of the French bread on a large baking sheet lined with foil or a Silpat. Spread chicken ranch mixture evenly on top of both pieces of French bread. Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and top with remaining bacon and cheese. Return to oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges are lightly browned.
Top with remaining green onions. Cut into 8 equal pieces--or more if serving as a snack or appetizer. Serve immediately with additional ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.