This tasty chopped chicken bacon ranch sub is perfect for a quick meal! It’s packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing all in a soft roll.
You can customize it with your favorite toppings—add some lettuce or tomatoes for crunch! I like to whip these up for game day or when I’m just too tired to cook. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hoagie Rolls: These rolls provide a sturdy base for your sub. If you can’t find hoagie rolls, you can use baguette or even pita bread for a twist!
Cooked Chicken Breast: I like to use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shredded or chopped leftover chicken works great. For a veggie option, try using chickpeas or tofu.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a good substitute, or you could omit it for a lighter version.
Ranch Dressing: The creamy dressing brings everything together. For a lighter option, I recommend using Greek yogurt mixed with herbs. You could also try blue cheese dressing if you enjoy that flavor.
How Do I Chop Chicken Precisely for a Sub?
Chopping chicken might seem simple, but getting it right ensures a good bite in each sub. To chop chicken effectively:
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
- Use a sharp knife for cleaner cuts. Start by slicing the chicken breast lengthwise, then chop across into bite-sized pieces.
- Adjust the size based on your personal preference—smaller pieces fit neatly into the sub!
Easy Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 hoagie or sub sandwich rolls
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped (seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika)
- 4 slices crispy cooked bacon
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4 slices fresh tomato
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Optional: pinch of dried parsley or Italian herbs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sub recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to gather the ingredients, chop the chicken, cook the bacon, and assemble the subs. Perfect for a weekday lunch or an easy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your cooked chicken breast with a little salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor. If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, grill or bake it until juicy and fully cooked. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes and then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cooking the Bacon:
While the chicken is resting, cook your bacon in a pan until crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s done, place it on a paper towel to drain off excess fat and keep it crispy.
3. Preparing the Hoagie Rolls:
Next, take your hoagie rolls and carefully slice them horizontally. Make sure not to cut all the way through, so the rolls open like a book. This makes it easier to fill them later!
4. Layering the Ingredients:
Begin by placing a generous bed of shredded lettuce inside each roll. This adds a nice crunch and keeps the bread from getting soggy. Then, evenly distribute the chopped chicken over the lettuce.
5. Adding the Bacon and Vegetables:
On top of the chicken, place 2 slices of crispy bacon in each sub. Now add the fresh tomato slices and then the thinly sliced red onion. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your personal taste!
6. Finishing Touches:
Drizzle a good amount of ranch dressing over all the toppings. This is where the flavor really comes together! Finally, if you’d like, sprinkle a little dried parsley or Italian herbs on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
7. Serving the Subs:
Carefully close the subs and they are ready to serve! Enjoy immediately for the freshest taste. These make a great meal for lunch or dinner!
Enjoy your juicy and flavorful Easy Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub!
FAQ for Easy Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and chopped before adding it to your sub.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you want a different flavor, you can use blue cheese dressing or a homemade Greek yogurt dressing mixed with herbs. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a vinaigrette can also work nicely!
How Do I Keep My Sub From Getting Soggy?
To prevent sogginess, layer the lettuce directly on the bread before adding other ingredients. This creates a barrier. You can also consider toasting the hoagie rolls slightly for added structure!
What Toppings Can I Add to Enhance Flavor?
You can customize your sub with additional toppings like avocado, jalapeños for heat, or even pickles for a tangy crunch. Experiment and find your perfect combination!
