There’s something so comforting about garlic bread – it’s warm, buttery, and simply irresistible. And when you stuff it with bacon, chicken, and a creamy ranch blend? Pure magic! This Bacon Chicken Ranch Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe combines some of our all-time favorite flavors into one mouthwatering snack. It’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or even a cozy night in. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 Loaf of uncut bread – a crusty loaf like French or Italian works best for this.
- 1/3 cup Ranch Dressing – for that tangy, creamy flavor.
- 2 precooked chicken breasts – shredded to mix seamlessly into each bite.
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon – with 2 tablespoons reserved to sprinkle on top.
- 2 cups shredded cheese – cheddar or mozzarella, or a mix of both for extra melty goodness.
- Chef Shamy Parmesan Basil Garlic Butter – rich and herbaceous, bringing a buttery layer to the bread.
How to Make Bacon Chicken Ranch Stuffed Garlic Bread
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking that perfect golden finish.
- Shred the Chicken: In a medium bowl, take the pre-cooked chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. This step makes sure every bite has a tender chicken taste.
- Mix the Filling: To the shredded chicken, add the ranch dressing, most of the shredded cheese (reserving some for topping), and most of the bacon crumbles. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut your bread loaf in half lengthwise, then place each half face-up on a baking sheet. Using your fingers, press down on the center of the bread to make room for the filling – it’s okay if it looks a little rustic!
- Butter It Up: Spread Chef Shamy Parmesan Basil Garlic Butter generously over each half. The butter melts into the bread as it bakes, adding a garlicky richness to each bite.
- Stuff the Bread: Fill each half with the chicken mixture, pressing it down lightly. Top with the remaining cheese and bacon crumbles.
- Bake: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is warmed through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the bread cool for about 5 minutes, then slice it up. Each piece is bursting with flavor, ready for you to devour!
Helpful Tips
- Crisp up the Bacon: If you like your bacon extra crispy, add it as a final topping after baking so it stays crunchy.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Shredding cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded cheese for that perfect gooeyness.
- Mix Up the Cheese: For a more complex flavor, try using a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and even a bit of Parmesan.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the Protein: Try using leftover rotisserie chicken or even turkey for a different flavor. This is also a great way to use up any holiday leftovers!
- Add Veggies: Chopped green onions, bell peppers, or even jalapeños can add a fresh crunch.
- Go Spicy: Add a bit of sriracha to the ranch for a spicy twist, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes! A French or Italian loaf is ideal, but any crusty bread will work. Just be sure it’s a bit sturdy to hold all the fillings.
How can I make this ahead?
Prepare everything, including stuffing the bread, and wrap it tightly. When you’re ready to serve, bake it for an extra 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and fresh.
What other cheese works well in this recipe?
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses are delicious here. You can mix cheeses for a unique taste!
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), wrap them in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
More Delicious Snack Recipes
This Bacon Chicken Ranch Stuffed Garlic Bread is a true crowd-pleaser! It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with all the best flavors. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it all to yourself, it’s one recipe that’ll make everyone come back for seconds.
Print
Bacon Chicken Ranch Stuffed Garlic Bread
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Bacon Chicken Ranch Stuffed Garlic Bread is the ultimate savory snack! Made with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheese, all packed into buttery garlic bread. Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering!
Ingredients
- 1 loaf uncut bread (French or Italian)
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 pre-cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (reserve 2 tbsp for topping)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- Chef Shamy Parmesan Basil Garlic Butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, shred the cooked chicken breasts with two forks. Add ranch dressing, most of the cheese, and most of the bacon crumbles. Stir to combine.
- Slice the bread loaf in half lengthwise and place face-up on a baking sheet. Press down gently on the bread’s center to make space for the filling.
- Spread Chef Shamy Garlic Butter generously on both bread halves. Fill each half with the chicken mixture, then top with the remaining cheese and reserved bacon.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts and bread is heated through.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken breasts.
- To add a spicy twist, mix a little sriracha or red pepper flakes into the ranch dressing.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle green onions after baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~230 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg