Chicken Bacon Ranch Recipe

Prep and Marinate

If starting with raw chicken, flatten breasts to even thickness (about 1/2 inch) with a meat mallet or heavy pan. Combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt (0.75 tsp), black pepper (0.5 tsp), and lemon juice in a small bowl. Brush or rub mixture over both sides of chicken. Let rest 10–15 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).

Grill

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Oil the grates or pan lightly. Grill chicken 4–6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Remove and let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain into strips. Measure out 2 cups sliced for sandwiches.

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp (about 8–10 minutes), or bake on a rimmed sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then halve each strip crosswise. Use 8 halves total.

Toast the Rolls

Preheat broiler or a skillet. Split the hoagie rolls and lightly toast cut sides under the broiler or in a skillet until golden, about 1–2 minutes under broiler or 1–2 minutes per side in skillet. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Dress the Bread

Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on the bottom half of each roll and 1 tablespoon ranch dressing on the top half (adjust to taste).

Build the Sandwich

On the bottom half of each roll, layer: 1) 1/2 cup sliced grilled chicken (evenly distributed), 2) 2 slices of cheese over the warm chicken (if you want melted cheese, place assembled open sandwiches under broiler for 30–60 seconds until cheese softens), 3) 2 bacon halves (2 strips worth) laid over the cheese, 4) a layer of shredded lettuce (about 1/2 cup), and 5) 2–3 tomato slices. Season tomatoes lightly with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper (use remaining 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper across all sandwiches). Close sandwiches with the top halves.

Serve

Cut sandwiches in half if desired and serve immediately with extra ranch for dipping.