Chicken Bacon Ranch Melt Recipe
Chicken, Bacon, Pepperjack, Ranch, Tomato, & Parmesan Sourdough
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Ranch Spread
For Grilling
Method
Ranch Spread
Make ranch spread
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons buttermilk until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning; if you prefer thinner ranch, add up to 1 tablespoon more buttermilk. Refrigerate while assembling sandwich so flavors meld.
Sandwich Prep
Prepare proteins
If chicken is not cooked, poach or roast two medium breasts: simmer in salted water or broth for 12-15 minutes until 165°F, then shred. If using leftover chicken, slice or shred to equal about 2 cups. Cook 6 strips of bacon in a skillet or oven until crisp, drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-size pieces.
Assemble sandwiches
Lay out 8 slices of sourdough. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the ranch mixture evenly on the inside of each slice (about 1 tablespoon per slice when making 4 sandwiches). On 4 slices, divide the shredded chicken (about 1/2 cup per sandwich), then sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated parmesan over the chicken. Top chicken with 1-2 slices of pepper jack cheese (1.5 slices average) and then place chopped bacon evenly (about 1.5 strips worth per sandwich). Add 2-3 thin tomato slices on top of the bacon. Place the remaining 4 bread slices ranch-side down to close sandwiches.
Grilling
Butter and grill
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter with 1 teaspoon olive oil (olive oil keeps butter from burning). Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 tablespoon) of the butter mixture on the outside of each sandwich slice (both top and bottom). Place sandwiches in the hot skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. If cheese is slow to melt, cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes to trap heat.
Finish and rest
Once both sides are nicely browned and cheese is melted, transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Serve immediately with extra ranch for dipping if desired.