Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe

Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food Roll

I recently discovered this incredible Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli recipe and let me tell you – it’s become our family’s new obsession! After making it three times in two weeks, I can confidently say this is one of those recipes that brings everyone to the dinner table with genuine excitement.

The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch all wrapped up in golden pizza dough creates pure comfort food magic.

I love how quickly it comes together using rotisserie chicken and store-bought dough, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try this stromboli, you’ll understand why my kids are already asking when I’m making it again!

Ingredients Section

1 (8-ounce) can thin crust refrigerated pizza dough – I prefer thin crust because it gets wonderfully crispy without being too thick or doughy. The refrigerated variety saves time and rolls out perfectly every time.
1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping) – Use a thick, creamy ranch for best results. Avoid the runny varieties as they can make the dough soggy. I always keep extra on hand because everyone wants it for dipping!
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken – This is my secret time-saving ingredient. Remove the skin while the chicken is still warm and use two forks to shred quickly. You can substitute with leftover grilled chicken if you have it.
1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped – I use the pre-cooked bacon pieces from a pouch for convenience, but freshly cooked and crumbled bacon works beautifully too. Just make sure it’s crispy for the best texture.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Fresh mozzarella gives the best flavor and melt, but pre-shredded saves time. Full-fat mozzarella creates that perfect cheese pull we all love.

Note: This recipe serves 5 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Replace regular mozzarella with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative and use a dairy-free ranch dressing. Many plant-based cheeses melt beautifully in strombolis.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the ranch before spreading. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for extra heat.
Veggie-Loaded: Include diced bell peppers, red onions, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them briefly first to remove excess moisture.
Different Proteins: Try using leftover turkey, ham, or even ground beef instead of chicken. Each protein brings its own delicious twist to this versatile recipe.
Herb Enhancement: Mix dried Italian seasoning or garlic powder into the ranch dressing for extra flavor depth.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large baking sheet – For baking the stromboli evenly
Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
Rolling pin (optional) – Helps stretch the dough uniformly
Sharp knife – For cutting diagonal slits and slicing to serve
Two forks – Perfect for shredding the rotisserie chicken quickly

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe

Creating this delicious stromboli is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The key to success lies in proper preparation and not overfilling the dough. With just a few ingredients and some basic techniques, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.

Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the pizza dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to work with. This prevents tearing when you stretch it out.

Stretch and Layer the Dough

Open the can of pizza dough and carefully stretch it into a rectangular shape on the parchment paper, aiming for about 12×8 inches. Work gently to avoid creating holes in the dough. If it springs back, let it rest for a few more minutes before continuing.

Add the Ranch Base

Spread the ranch dressing evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around all edges. This border is crucial for sealing the stromboli properly and preventing leaks. Don’t be tempted to use too much dressing as it can make the dough soggy.

Layer the Fillings

Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the ranch-covered dough, followed by the chopped bacon pieces. The key here is even distribution so every bite has all the flavors. Finish by sprinkling the mozzarella cheese over everything, making sure to keep that 1-inch border clear.

Roll and Seal

Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough up like a jelly roll, using the parchment paper to help guide the rolling process. The parchment paper prevents sticking and makes this step much easier. Once rolled, slide the stromboli to the center of the parchment with the seam side down.

Final Touches

Tuck the ends of the stromboli under to seal them completely, then use a sharp knife to cut 4-5 diagonal slits across the top. These slits allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the stromboli from bursting open. The slits also create an attractive presentation when golden brown.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15-25 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark for doneness. The stromboli is ready when it’s deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped gently. Don’t underbake it – you want that crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the melty interior.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I always make sure my bacon is extra crispy before adding it to the stromboli because it maintains its texture better during baking and adds that perfect crunch contrast.
When I’m in a hurry, I use a hand mixer on low speed to shred the rotisserie chicken quickly – it’s a game-changer for prep time.
I’ve learned to brush the top of the stromboli with a little melted butter mixed with Italian seasoning before baking for an extra flavorful crust.
Make sure not to overfill the stromboli – I learned this the hard way when my first attempt split open in the oven!
I always let the stromboli cool for about 5 minutes before slicing to prevent all the cheese from oozing out.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli

This stromboli is best served warm, sliced into thick pieces that showcase the beautiful spiral of fillings inside. I like to arrange the slices on a wooden cutting board for a rustic, family-style presentation. Serve with small bowls of extra ranch dressing for dipping – trust me, people will want it!

A simple side salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes makes a perfect accompaniment, balancing the richness of the stromboli. For a complete meal, add some roasted vegetables or a light soup. The golden-brown exterior and melted cheese interior make for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect nutritionally from each generous serving of this delicious stromboli:

Calories: 472 per serving
Protein: 35g – excellent source thanks to the chicken and cheese
Carbohydrates: 24g – from the pizza dough primarily
Fat: 26g – includes healthy fats from cheese and moderate amounts from bacon

Make Ahead and Storage

This stromboli is surprisingly versatile when it comes to make-ahead options and storage solutions.

Refrigeration: Store leftover stromboli in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked stromboli for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For best results, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain the crispy exterior.
Make-Ahead Assembly: While I initially hesitated to recommend this, readers have successfully assembled the stromboli the night before and refrigerated it until ready to bake. The dough holds up well, though you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are the compelling reasons why this Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli will become your new go-to comfort food:

Incredible Speed and Convenience: Using rotisserie chicken and store-bought pizza dough means you can have this amazing meal on the table in just 40 minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Kid and Adult Approved: This recipe bridges the gap between sophisticated flavors adults crave and the familiar tastes kids love. The combination of chicken, bacon, and cheese wrapped in bread is universally appealing, making family dinner planning so much easier.
Impressive but Simple: Your guests will think you spent hours crafting this beautiful, restaurant-quality dish, but you’ll know the secret – it’s incredibly simple to make. The presentation is always stunning when you slice it to reveal the perfect spiral inside.
Customizable for Everyone: Whether you want to add vegetables, change the protein, or adjust the spice level, this recipe adapts beautifully to different tastes and dietary needs. It’s like having a base recipe that can become completely different depending on what you add.
Perfect for Leftovers: Unlike many dishes that lose their appeal the next day, leftover stromboli actually makes fantastic lunches or quick dinners. It reheats beautifully and maintains its delicious flavors, making meal planning easier throughout the week.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Stromboli Recipe