Discover a scrumptious blend of flavors in this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli recipe, featuring thin crust pizza dough stuffed with tender rotisserie chicken, savory bacon, melted mozzarella cheese, all perfectly enhanced with creamy ranch dressing.
Family dinners in our house have always been about more than just food; they're about tradition, laughter, and sometimes, innovation. The Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli is a perfect example of this. One busy weeknight, with a hodgepodge of leftovers in the fridge, the idea was born out of necessity and a bit of culinary creativity. Wanting something quick yet hearty, I took what was meant to be pizza night to the next level. The result was this stromboli, which turned out to be a huge hit, making it an instant family classic. Now, whenever we gather around the table for this delicious dish, it reminds us of that spontaneous night of recipe invention that ended up bringing us all a little closer.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli recipe is a gastronomic delight, packed with unique features that make it a standout dish. Its use of refrigerated pizza dough offers convenience and a quick prep time, ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of creamy ranch dressing with the rich flavors of rotisserie chicken and black-pepper bacon creates a harmonious blend that's both comforting and indulgent. Moreover, the stromboli format makes it a fun and interactive meal, perfect for both casual family dinners and entertaining guests. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that brings the flavors of an Italian trattoria into the heart of your kitchen.
Ingredients Notes
Each ingredient in the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli plays a crucial role in creating a mouth-watering meal that's sure to please any crowd. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll need and why:
- Thin Crust Refrigerated Pizza Dough: Provides a quick and easy base, cutting down on preparation time and ensuring a crispy outer layer.
- Prepared Ranch Dressing: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the chicken and bacon beautifully.
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: A time-saver that’s juicy and flavorful, perfect for stuffing into the stromboli.
- Chopped Cooked Bacon: Delivers a smoky, peppery crunch that contrasts with the softness of the dough.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into an oozy, cheesy layer that holds all the ingredients together wonderfully.
How To Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli
Ready to dive into making your own Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli? Here’s how you can turn these simple ingredients into a delicious feast:
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- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your stromboli won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Assemble the Stromboli: Roll out your pizza dough on the parchment, aiming for a thin, even layer. Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing over the dough, leaving a small border to help seal the roll. Evenly distribute the shredded chicken, followed by the bacon and a hearty layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Roll and Secure: Starting at one side, carefully roll the dough towards the opposite edge, using the parchment as a guide to keep everything tight. Seal the ends by tucking them underneath and ensure the seam is facing down to prevent leaking.
- Bake to Perfection: Make several diagonal slits in the top to allow steam to escape, which helps in cooking the filling evenly. Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is golden brown and crispy, about 15-25 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the stromboli cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with additional ranch dressing for an extra dash of flavor.
Storage Options
Once baked, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. For longer storage, slice the stromboli and freeze the pieces individually wrapped for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm throughout.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous adaptations to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Dough: Use a gluten-free pizza dough to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Different Proteins: Substitute the chicken for turkey, roast beef, or even plant-based proteins like tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar for a sharper flavor, or a blend of Italian cheeses for more complexity.
- No Ranch? No Problem: If you're not a fan of ranch dressing, try substituting with Caesar dressing or a herbed béchamel sauce for a different flavor profile.
With these simple adjustments, you can easily customize the stromboli to meet your preferences or to use whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli
Ingredients
- One 8-ounce can of thin crust refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ cup of prepared ranch dressing additional required for dipping
- 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup of chopped cooked bacon
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400° F. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easier cleanup.
- Dough Preparation: Remove the pizza dough from its packaging. On the prepared parchment paper, gently stretch the dough out until it is thin and even, taking care not to tear it. This creates the base of your stromboli.
- Adding the Filling: Apply a layer of ranch dressing over the stretched dough, leaving approximately a one-inch border uncovered around the edges. This helps to seal the roll without the filling oozing out. Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the dressing, followed by the chopped bacon, and finally, cover with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Forming the Stromboli: Begin at one long side and carefully roll the dough toward the opposite side, using the parchment paper as a guide to keep the roll tight. Once rolled, ensure the seam is positioned underneath to prevent unrolling during baking. Neatly tuck the ends under the body of the stromboli to seal in the fillings.
- Baking: Before placing it in the oven, cut several diagonal slits on the top of the stromboli. These slits allow steam to escape, promoting even baking and preventing the dough from becoming soggy. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown.
- Serving: Allow the stromboli to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, accompanied by additional ranch dressing for dipping, enhancing the flavor experience.
