This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy goodness with savory chicken and smoky bacon. Encased in a golden pizza dough crust, the combination of rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, and creamy ranch dressing creates a mouth-watering experience with every bite. It’s an easy and fun dish that can be made in under 40 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Not only is this stromboli packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap the chicken for turkey or experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. With its convenience and deliciousness, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (8 oz) thin crust refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the pizza dough on the parchment to form a thin, even layer.
- Spread ranch dressing over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the shredded chicken, bacon, and mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Carefully roll the dough starting from one long side, using the parchment as a guide. Tuck the ends under to seal the stromboli.
- Make diagonal slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 15-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 5 servings
Why Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is a Must-Try
This dish combines the best of multiple culinary worlds—think pizza, sandwich, and savory pie—all in one. The stromboli, an Italian-American staple, is often associated with pizza or calzone-like fillings wrapped in dough and baked to crispy perfection. The addition of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing, a flavor combination beloved by many, elevates the stromboli to a new level of comfort food.
The convenience factor is another reason this stromboli recipe is so appealing. Using store-bought thin crust pizza dough and rotisserie chicken significantly cuts down on prep time, allowing you to focus on the assembly and baking process. In just under 40 minutes, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table, perfect for when you need something quick and easy.
The Flavor Profile
At its core, this recipe is all about balance—balancing rich, smoky, and creamy flavors with a crispy, golden crust. The chicken offers a tender and juicy base, while the bacon adds a savory crunch and smoky depth. The ranch dressing ties everything together with its tangy, creamy profile, creating a mouth-watering combination that hits all the right notes.
Mozzarella cheese adds that signature gooey, stretchy texture that’s synonymous with comfort food. As it melts, it holds the ingredients together, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. When baked, the cheese forms a bubbly layer just beneath the crispy crust, providing a satisfying contrast between textures.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a get-together, Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli fits the bill. Its versatility means that you can serve it as a main course for dinner, slice it into smaller pieces as a party appetizer, or even pack it for a picnic or work lunch.
For game days or gatherings, this stromboli is particularly ideal because it’s handheld, easy to serve, and can be prepped in advance. The recipe can also be easily doubled or tripled if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Since it’s customizable, you can tailor the ingredients to suit various preferences, adding more or less cheese, swapping out bacon for turkey bacon, or using a different kind of dressing like Caesar or blue cheese for a different flavor twist.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best aspects of this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some simple variations you can try based on your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand:
- Protein Swap: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, feel free to use cooked turkey, shredded pork, or even leftover grilled chicken from a previous meal. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken and bacon with roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and peppers, and use a plant-based ranch dressing.
- Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is a traditional choice for its melty texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor, provolone for a smoky touch, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a more complex taste.
- Dough Options: Though the recipe calls for thin crust refrigerated pizza dough, you can substitute it with homemade pizza dough or even puff pastry for a flakier texture. For those with dietary restrictions, there are gluten-free pizza dough options available that work just as well.
- Dressing Variety: Ranch dressing is a fan favorite for this recipe, but you can easily swap it out for other creamy dressings or sauces. Caesar dressing provides a salty, garlicky flavor, while a garlic aioli or herbed béchamel sauce could lend a more gourmet feel. If you’re feeling adventurous, a spicy chipotle mayo or BBQ sauce could give the stromboli a completely different, but equally delicious, flavor profile.
Tips for Success
To ensure that your Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli turns out perfectly every time, here are a few key tips:
- Use parchment paper: This not only prevents sticking but also makes it much easier to roll the dough tightly. The parchment paper can help guide the rolling process, ensuring an even and well-formed stromboli.
- Seal the edges well: When rolling the stromboli, it’s essential to seal the edges securely to prevent any filling from leaking out during the baking process. Tucking the ends under and making sure the seam is on the bottom will help with this.
- Cut slits for steam: Before baking, cut a few diagonal slits on the top of the stromboli. This allows steam to escape, which helps the dough bake evenly and prevents it from getting soggy.
- Don’t overfill: While it might be tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, be careful not to overfill the stromboli. Too much filling can cause the dough to tear or the stromboli to become overly bulky and difficult to roll. Keeping a balance between the dough and filling ensures the perfect ratio of crisp crust to hearty ingredients.
- Rest before slicing: Once baked, let the stromboli rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice and preventing the fillings from spilling out.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare, considering how delicious this dish is), the stromboli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap to retain freshness. When reheating, use the oven or a toaster oven to maintain the crust’s crispiness, as microwaving can sometimes make the dough soggy.
For longer storage, slice the stromboli and freeze individual pieces. These can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a zip-top freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply pop them into the oven until warmed through—no need to thaw beforehand.
Conclusion:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is a versatile, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and customizable options, it’s a meal that can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick dinner, hosting friends for a casual meal, or simply craving a comforting, cheesy indulgence, this recipe is a winner.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but the flavors of tender chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and creamy ranch dressing will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Add this recipe to your meal rotation, and it will quickly become a family favorite. From its customizable fillings to its ease of preparation, Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli offers both convenience and unbeatable flavor.