Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub
When you think of American comfort food, the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub is right up there with the best of them. Originating from the heart of the United States, particularly popular in Midwestern and Southern delis.
This sandwich captures the spirit of casual American dining. It combines smoky grilled chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and crunchy lettuce, all chopped together for the perfect bite every time.
It’s a fun, flavorful creation that reflects America’s love for hearty, customizable meals made with simple, familiar ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about combining classic flavors into one unforgettable sub. Here are the simple ingredients that bring it all together.
- 4 boneless, skinless grilled chicken thighs – I prefer thighs for their flavor and juiciness, but a rotisserie chicken works great for a quick shortcut.
- 6 pieces of crispy thick-cut bacon – Thick-cut bacon holds up well when chopped and adds a satisfying crunch.
- 6 slices of tomato – Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture contrast.
- 2 cups shredded lettuce – Iceberg lettuce provides a great crunch, but romaine is also a good option.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing – Your favorite store-bought brand is perfect, or you can use a homemade version.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon pepper – For a little bit of spice.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Grating your own cheese from a block will give you a better melt and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose BBQ rub – This adds a smoky, savory depth to the chicken.
- 4 toasted sub rolls – A good quality, fresh bakery roll makes all the difference.
Note: This recipe makes enough filling for several servings, typically filling about four standard sub rolls.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it.
You can swap ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based ranch dressing and dairy-free cheese shreds. To spice things up, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. You could also try different cheeses like sharp cheddar or provolone, or add other veggies like red onions and bell peppers for more crunch and flavor.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You Need
Having the right tools makes this recipe even easier to prepare.
- Large Cutting Board: This is your main workspace for chopping and mixing all the ingredients together.
- Sharp Knife or Cleaver: A good, sharp knife is essential for getting a uniform chop on all the components.
- Grill or Skillet: You’ll need one of these to cook the chicken and bacon to perfection.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken on the grill and handling the hot bacon.
How to Make a Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub?
The magic of this sandwich is in the method. By chopping all the ingredients together, you ensure that every bite is perfectly balanced with flavor and texture. It’s a simple process that results in a truly spectacular meal.
Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
First, season your chicken thighs with the BBQ rub. Grill them over medium-high heat until they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. While the chicken cooks, fry the bacon in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy. This is also a great time to toast your sub rolls on the grill or in the oven for a minute or two until they’re lightly golden.
Layer and Chop the Ingredients
Once the cooked components are ready, it’s time to build your filling. Start by spreading the shredded lettuce on your cutting board to create a base. Then, layer the grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and tomato slices right on top of the lettuce. Using your sharp knife or cleaver, begin chopping everything together. The goal is to get all the pieces into small, bite-sized bits.
Season and Mix
After the initial chop, season the mixture with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and drizzle the ranch dressing all over. Now, chop through the pile again, mixing as you go. This second chop incorporates the cheese and dressing, ensuring every piece is coated in creamy, savory goodness.
Assemble and Serve
The final step is the easiest. Just scoop a generous amount of the chopped mixture into your toasted sub rolls. The filling should be packed in well, so you get a little bit of everything in each bite. These subs are best served immediately while the chicken is still warm and the lettuce is crisp.
United States: The Heart of the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub
This delicious creation hails from the United States, where sandwiches are a proud part of the food culture. Especially popular in the Midwestern and Southern regions, the Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub reflects America’s love for hearty, flavor-packed comfort food.
It combines grilled meats, creamy sauces, and fresh vegetables, elements deeply rooted in American deli traditions. You’ll often find this sub served at local diners, BBQ spots, and family gatherings across these regions, celebrating casual yet satisfying meals.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Over time, I’ve found a few little tricks that take this already amazing sub to the next level.
- I always recommend toasting the sub rolls. It not only adds a nice crunch but also prevents the bread from getting soggy from the ranch dressing. I just pop mine on the grill for a minute.
- Don’t be shy with the chopping. The more you chop and mix, the more integrated the flavors become. I find that a large, heavy cleaver works best for this.
- For an extra layer of flavor, I sometimes add a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or parsley to the mix along with the salt and pepper.
- Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping. This helps it retain its juices, keeping the final mixture moist and flavorful.
How to Serve a Chopped Chicken Bacon Ranch Sub?
If you’re visiting the Midwest or the Southern U.S., you’ll often find this sub in roadside diners, BBQ joints, and local sandwich shops, each with its own twist.
Serve it with crispy fries, coleslaw, or even sweet potato chips for an authentic American lunch experience.
Enjoying this sub feels like taking a bite out of America’s culinary map bold, satisfying, and made for sharing with friends or family wherever you are.
Nutritional Information
Here is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 38g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is great for meal prep with a few simple storage guidelines.
To make it ahead, you can prepare the chopped filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sub rolls separate until you are ready to assemble and serve to prevent them from becoming soggy.
For reheating, it’s best to enjoy the sub fresh. However, you can gently warm the filling in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes if you prefer a warm sandwich. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the lettuce wilt and the bread tough.
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The lettuce and tomatoes will lose their texture and become watery upon thawing, which will affect the overall quality of the sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons this will become one of your go-to sandwich recipes.
- Incredible Flavor in Every Bite: Because all the ingredients are chopped and mixed together, you get the perfect combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and fresh veggies in every single mouthful.
- Quick and Easy to Assemble: Once your chicken and bacon are cooked, this recipe comes together in minutes. It’s perfect for a fast lunch or a simple weeknight dinner.
- Highly Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Add different cheeses, vegetables, or even a spicy ranch to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The filling can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent option for quick lunches throughout the week. Just scoop and serve when you’re ready to eat.
