Experience a delicious fusion of flavors with this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli recipe! This dish features thin crust pizza dough filled with tender rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese, all elevated by creamy ranch dressing. Let’s dive in and make it together!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CHICKEN BACON RANCH STROMBOLI
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli recipe is a culinary delight, featuring elements that set it apart as a truly special dish. Using refrigerated pizza dough, it offers convenience and quick prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy ranch dressing beautifully complements the savory flavors of rotisserie chicken and crispy black-pepper bacon, creating a comforting and indulgent blend. Plus, the stromboli format adds a fun, interactive element, making it great for casual family dinners or entertaining guests. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the essence of an Italian trattoria right into your kitchen.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN BACON RANCH STROMBOLI
INGREDIENTS
- 1 (8-ounce) can of thin crust refrigerated pizza dough
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping)
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup chopped cooked bacon
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
- Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Dough Preparation: Remove the pizza dough from its packaging and place it on the prepared parchment paper. Gently stretch the dough until it’s thin and even, being careful not to tear it. This will serve as the base for your stromboli.
- Adding the Filling: Spread a layer of ranch dressing over the stretched dough, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges to help seal the roll. Evenly distribute the shredded chicken on top of the dressing, followed by the chopped bacon, and finish with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Forming the Stromboli: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough toward the opposite side, using the parchment paper to keep the roll tight. Once rolled, place the seam side down to prevent it from unrolling during baking. Tuck the ends under the stromboli to seal in the filling.
- Baking: Before baking, cut several diagonal slits in the top of the stromboli. These slits allow steam to escape, ensuring even baking and preventing a soggy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is a deep golden brown.
- Serving: Let the stromboli cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with extra ranch dressing for dipping to enhance the flavor experience. Enjoy!
STORAGE OPTIONS
After baking, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent it from drying out, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, slice the stromboli and freeze the individual pieces, wrapped securely, for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for many adaptations to fit different tastes and dietary preferences:
- Gluten-Free Dough: Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Different Proteins: Swap the chicken for turkey, roast beef, or even plant-based proteins like tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar for a sharper flavor or a blend of Italian cheeses for added complexity.
- No Ranch? No Problem: If ranch dressing isn’t your favorite, consider using Caesar dressing or a herbed béchamel sauce for a different flavor profile.
With these simple adjustments, you can easily customize the stromboli to suit your preferences or utilize whatever ingredients you have on hand.
