Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon:

• If you haven’t already, cook the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
• Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small bits.

3. Prepare the Stuffing Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded mozzarella cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped green onions (if using). Stir until everything is well mixed and coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Hollow Out the Bread:

• Using a serrated knife, slice the loaf of bread horizontally, creating an opening in the middle. Be sure to leave a thick enough base and walls so the filling doesn’t spill out. You can also cut out some of the soft inner bread to make more room for the filling, but be sure to save the bread for dipping or snacking later!

5. Stuff the Bread:

• Spoon the chicken and bacon mixture into the hollowed-out bread, pressing down gently to pack it in. You want to make sure there’s enough filling to reach all sides, creating a hearty stuffed bread.

6. Bake the Stuffed Bread:

• Brush the outside of the bread with a little olive oil to give it a golden, crispy finish.
• Place the stuffed bread on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread is crispy and golden brown.

7. Serve:

• Once the stuffed bread is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into thick, hearty pieces. Serve it warm, with extra ranch dressing or a side salad if desired.

Tips for Perfection:

• Bread Choice: A sturdy bread is key to this recipe. French or Italian bread works best because it can hold up to the filling without becoming soggy.
• Flavor Enhancements: You can add other ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños for a little heat, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
• Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it both convenient and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Dish:

Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread combines all the best comfort food flavors in one dish. The creamy ranch and gooey mozzarella cheese are a perfect match for the savory, salty chicken and bacon. Every bite of this stuffed bread is an explosion of flavor and texture, making it a dish everyone will crave. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a snack for your next party, Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Bread is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Try it out and watch it disappear in no time!