Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub: A Flavor-Packed, Easy-to-Assemble Sandwich

Imagine a toasted sub roll brimming with a delightful mix of tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, creamy ranch dressing, and melted mozzarella cheese, all finely chopped and perfectly combined. That’s the mouthwatering experience of the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub. This sandwich is a symphony of flavors and textures, a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a casual lunch, a quick dinner, or even a picnic. I remember the first time I made this sub. I was looking for a way to use up some leftover grilled chicken and bacon, and I wanted to create something that was both delicious and easy to prepare.

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This chopped sub was the perfect solution! The chopping technique made it incredibly simple to assemble, and the combination of flavors was absolutely irresistible. It quickly became a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and impromptu gatherings. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It’s incredibly simple, uses readily available ingredients, and requires minimal cooking skills. The chopping technique simplifies the assembly, making it easy to create a delicious and satisfying sandwich in no time. Plus, the combination of protein, vegetables, and creamy dressing makes it a well-balanced and satisfying meal, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

Ingredients and Preparation: Building Layers of Flavor

This recipe relies on a combination of familiar ingredients that, when chopped and combined, create a flavorful and satisfying sub. Here’s a detailed breakdown with added tips and tricks to ensure success:

Base Ingredients:

• Boneless, Skinless Grilled Chicken Thighs: 4. Grilled chicken thighs offer a tender and juicy protein base. You can use leftover grilled chicken or cook fresh chicken thighs. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. You can also use chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be more forgiving and juicy.
• Crispy Thick-Cut Bacon: 6 pieces. Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor and a crispy texture. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces for even distribution throughout the sub. You can also use thin-cut bacon, but thick-cut bacon provides a more substantial texture.
• Tomato Slices: 6 slices. Tomatoes add a fresh, juicy flavor and a pop of color. Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. You can also use cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes.
• Shredded Lettuce: 2 cups. Shredded lettuce adds a crisp, refreshing texture. Use your favorite lettuce, such as romaine or iceberg. You can also use mixed greens or shredded cabbage for a different texture and flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: ¼ cup. Ranch dressing provides a creamy, tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together. Use your favorite store-bought ranch or make your own for a more personalized touch. You can also use light ranch dressing for a healthier option.
• Salt and Pepper: 1 teaspoon each. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the sub. Taste the chopped mixture before filling the rolls and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup. Mozzarella cheese adds a mild, creamy flavor and a melty texture. Use a good quality mozzarella cheese for the best results. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
• All-Purpose BBQ Rub: 1 tablespoon. BBQ rub adds a savory, smoky flavor to the chicken. Use your favorite BBQ rub or make your own. You can also use a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Toasted Sub Rolls: 4. Toasted sub rolls provide a sturdy and flavorful base. Toasting them adds a crispy texture and prevents the rolls from becoming soggy.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

Base Ingredients:

• Chicken Alternatives: Use grilled chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover roasted chicken for different flavors and textures. You can also use shredded turkey for a lighter option. You can also use canned chicken but drain it well.
• Bacon Alternatives: Use turkey bacon for a leaner option. You can also use cooked ham or pancetta for different salty, savory elements. You can also use vegetarian bacon alternatives.
• Tomato Alternatives: Use cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or even roasted red peppers for different flavors and textures. You can also use tomato relish.
• Lettuce Alternatives: Use mixed greens, spinach, or shredded cabbage for different textures and nutrients. You can also use arugula for a peppery flavor.
• Ranch Dressing Alternatives: Use other creamy dressings like Caesar, blue cheese, or chipotle ranch for different flavor profiles. You can also use mayonnaise or aioli. You can also create a light vinaigrette.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use cheddar cheese, provolone, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles. You can also use a vegan cheese alternative.
• BBQ Rub Alternatives: Use other spice blends like Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also use a dry rub of your choice.
• Sub Roll Alternatives: Use hoagie rolls, baguettes, or even wraps for different textures and sizes. You can also use gluten-free rolls for a gluten-free version. You can also use a hollowed out loaf of Italian bread.

Additions:

• Vegetable Additions: Add diced onions, bell peppers, pickles, or olives for extra flavor and texture. You can also add pickled vegetables.
• Spice Additions: Add a dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra heat and flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of dried herbs.
• Sauce Additions: Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or pesto for extra flavor. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Add Avocado: Add avocado for creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub Masterpiece

1. Season and Grill the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with the all-purpose BBQ rub. Grill them over medium-high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. You can also bake or pan-fry the chicken.
2. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Crumble the bacon into small pieces. You can also bake the bacon in the oven.
3. Toast the Sub Rolls: Toast the sub rolls on the grill or in a toaster oven until they are golden brown and crispy. This adds a nice texture to the sub. You can also use a dry skillet.
4. Prepare the Chopping Board: Onto a large cutting board, add a base layer of shredded lettuce. This will help prevent the other ingredients from sliding around and make cleanup easier.
5. Add and Chop Ingredients: Add the grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and tomato slices to the cutting board. Use a large knife or a bench scraper to chop everything together, ensuring it’s well mixed. Chop the ingredients finely for even distribution of flavors.
6. Season and Add Cheese and Ranch: Season the chopped ingredients with salt and pepper. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and ranch dressing.
7. Chop and Mix Again: Chop and mix everything together one more time to incorporate the cheese and ranch dressing evenly. This ensures that every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
8. Assemble the Subs: Scoop a generous portion of the chopped ingredients onto each toasted sub roll. Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent them from becoming soggy.
9. Serve Immediately: Serve the subs immediately while the rolls are still warm and crispy. This ensures the best texture and flavor.

Beginner Tips and Notes: Mastering the Art of Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Cook Bacon Crispy: Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture.
• Toast Rolls Properly: Toast the sub rolls until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Chop Ingredients Finely: Chop the ingredients finely for even distribution of flavors.
• Season Generously: Season the chopped ingredients generously with salt and pepper.
• Don’t Overfill Rolls: Don’t overfill the sub rolls to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Storage Tips for Leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chopped chicken, bacon, and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate Storage: Store the chopped mixture separately from the toasted sub rolls to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.
• Reheating: Reheat the chopped mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Avoid Overheating: Avoid overheating the mixture when reheating, as this can make the chicken dry and the vegetables mushy.

Conclusion: Share Your Culinary Creations!

This Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying sandwich with minimal effort. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your variations, tips, and tricks. Did you experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or sauces? Your feedback is valuable and inspires other home cooks. Let us know how your sub turned out and what serving suggestions you enjoyed most. Share your photos and tag me on social media so I can see your sub masterpieces! Use #ChoppedSub and #EasySandwichRecipes so I can find your creations. I also enjoy seeing your cooking adventures on Instagram stories, so feel free to tag me and show off your creations. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create!