Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a mouthwatering combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery loaf of French bread. Perfect for game day, parties, or a hearty appetizer, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of French bread
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping, optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Hollow Out the Bread

1. Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise, creating a top and bottom piece.
2. Use your hands or a spoon to gently scoop out most of the soft bread from the inside, leaving about a ½-inch thick shell. Reserve the scooped-out bread for another use (like breadcrumbs or croutons).

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Bread

1. Place the bottom half of the bread on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Spoon the chicken-bacon-ranch mixture evenly over the bread, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
3. Place the top half of the bread back onto the filling to create a “sandwich.”

Step 5: Wrap and Bake

1. Wrap the stuffed bread tightly in aluminum foil to prevent the bread from burning and to help the filling melt evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
2. Slice into individual portions and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
3. Serve warm with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and season your own chicken with a little garlic powder, salt, and pepper for added flavor.
• Bacon Substitution: If you’re short on time, use precooked bacon bits instead of cooking and chopping bacon.
• Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick, or add cream cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the stuffed bread up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting cold.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave for best results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is a flavor-packed twist on traditional stuffed bread recipes. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, tangy ranch, and gooey melted cheese creates a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Dive into this cheesy, savory delight and enjoy every bite!