There is nothing quite as satisfying as a hot, melty slice of stromboli packed with all your favorite flavors and textures. The Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe is a total game changer for dinner or game day, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheeses wrapped up in a golden, flaky crust that you just can’t resist. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or want a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this recipe promises a perfect harmony of savory richness and comforting goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe plays a crucial role in building taste and texture while keeping it simple enough for any home cook to tackle. Freshness and balance are key—let’s break down exactly what you’ll need.
- 1 pound pizza dough: This forms the soft, chewy base enveloping all the delicious fillings, you can use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra flair.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: Provides hearty protein and tender bites that soak up the ranch flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a smoky crunch that contrasts perfectly with the cheesy softness inside.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy, stretchy goodness that holds the filling together.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, tangy depth to complement the mozzarella.
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing: Brings cool creaminess and that signature herb-infused zest essential to this recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkled for a subtle savory punch that enhances all the layers.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a gorgeous golden crust once baked.
- Ranch or marinara for dipping (optional): Perfect for extra flavor and fun on the side when serving.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle roughly 10 by 14 inches. This size helps you get a nicely sized stromboli that bakes evenly and slices beautifully.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Layer
Spread the ranch dressing evenly over the rolled-out dough, making sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges. This border is important to keep the filling contained when you roll it up. The ranch acts as the flavor foundation, moistening the dough and matching perfectly with the other fillings.
Step 3: Layer the Tasty Fillings
Next, distribute the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon evenly over the ranch-covered dough, followed by the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Sprinkle the garlic powder and dried parsley on top; these seasonings elevate the overall flavor with little effort and give your stromboli that final gourmet touch.
Step 4: Roll and Seal
Starting at one of the long edges of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly together into a log shape, making sure not to leave any gaps. Pinch the seam firmly to seal it, then tuck the ends under to secure all those delicious ingredients inside. Placing the seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet ensures your stromboli bakes with a nice, sealed bottom.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top of the rolled stromboli with the beaten egg. This step creates the golden-brown crust that makes it irresistible and impresses everyone looking at it. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is crisp and beautifully browned, and the filling is hot and melty. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing so the cheese sets slightly.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
While the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe shines on its own, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a light drizzle of ranch dressing adds a lovely fresh touch and eye appeal. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is perfect if you want to add a little heat and contrast.
Side Dishes
This stromboli pairs beautifully with crisp garden salad or tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. Steamed vegetables or even some garlic roasted potatoes make wonderful, hearty additions that round out the meal without overpowering that classic Chicken Bacon Ranch flavor combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun gatherings, slice the stromboli into bite-size pinwheels and serve on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara. Wrapping smaller portions individually in parchment paper or placing them on skewers creates great handheld finger food. You can even miniaturize this recipe in smaller dough rounds for personal strombolis — perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, maintaining that delightful balance of chewy crust and gooey filling that makes it so delicious the next day.
Freezing
This stromboli freezes wonderfully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and the crust crisps back up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and lose that lovely texture you worked hard to achieve.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely, leftover cooked chicken is ideal for the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe. It saves time and helps you avoid extra cooking while still keeping the filling flavorful and moist.
Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and cheddar cheese?
Using both cheeses adds complexity: mozzarella brings meltiness and stretch, while cheddar delivers sharpness and rich color. However, you can experiment with your favorite cheeses if you prefer a different flavor profile.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
If ranch isn’t your favorite or you want a twist, try using creamy Caesar or a garlic herb dressing as a substitute. Just keep the amount similar so the dough still has enough moisture and flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this stromboli?
Definitely! Adding sautéed spinach, onions, or bell peppers can boost nutrition and flavor. Just be sure not to add too much liquid, which could make the dough soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough to make a gluten-free Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe. Just follow the same instructions and adjust baking time if needed according to your dough brand.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe is an absolute keeper for anyone who loves bold flavors wrapped in warm, comforting bread. It’s clever in its simplicity, yet so indulgent and satisfying every time. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon — once you taste that perfect combination of chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch all rolled into one, it just might become your new favorite go-to meal.
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is a delicious and hearty stuffed bread featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, all brought together with creamy ranch dressing and aromatic herbs. Wrapped in a golden, flaky pizza dough and baked to perfection, this stromboli is perfect for a family-friendly meal, easy to prepare and great for reheating leftovers.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Ranch or marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle approximately 10 by 14 inches.
- Add Filling: Spread ranch dressing evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Evenly layer the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese on top. Sprinkle the garlic powder and dried parsley over the filling.
- Roll and Seal: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log shape, pinching the seam to seal it securely. Tuck the ends of the dough under to prevent the filling from spilling out. Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the beaten egg over the top of the stromboli to give it a beautiful golden color as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the stromboli in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the stromboli to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve slices warm with extra ranch or marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and saves time.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or spinach to the filling.
- You can make the stromboli ahead of time; wrap it tightly and reheat it in the oven before serving.
