The Best Chicken Chopped Cheese | Blackstone Griddle

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed, and downright fun sandwich, this Bacon Ranch Chicken Chopped Cheese recipe is for you! Perfect for game day, tailgating, or just a satisfying dinner, this recipe combines crispy bacon, juicy ground chicken, and a tangy ranch-infused sauce for a sandwich that’s messy in the best way possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors
From the smoky crispness of applewood bacon to the creamy, tangy ranch-infused sauce, every bite delivers layers of flavor.

Comfort Meets Creativity
This sandwich is inspired by a classic chopped cheese but adds a twist with ground chicken, Colby Jack cheese, and a ranch-based special sauce that takes it to the next level.

Customizable and Fun
Want to swap the chicken for ground beef? Prefer cheddar instead of Colby Jack? This recipe is endlessly adaptable to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
This sandwich isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding your family, everyone will enjoy diving into this delicious creation.

Tools and Appliances You’ll Need

Cooking Essentials

• Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle: To cook the bacon and ground chicken to perfection. A Blackstone griddle is a great option if you’re cooking for a crowd or want to achieve a delicious sear.
• Paper Towels: For draining the bacon and maintaining that crispy texture.

Prep Tools

• Cutting Board: For dicing onions, shredding lettuce, and slicing tomatoes.
• Chef’s Knife: To chop ingredients like onions and tomatoes with ease.
• Mixing Bowl: To whip up the ranch-based special sauce.
• Whisk or Fork: For blending the sauce until smooth.

Serving and Assembly

• Serrated Knife: Perfect for slicing hoagie rolls without squishing them.
• Tongs: For mixing the chicken and cheese without breaking up the chunks.
• Serving Platter: A sturdy surface to present your sandwiches.

Print

Ingredients

• Bacon: Thick-cut applewood bacon, cooked to a crisp (6 slices).
• Ground Chicken: 1 pound, cooked in the rendered bacon fat for extra flavor.
• Seasonings: Cheese steak seasoning and parmesan ranch seasoning.
• Sweet Yellow Onion: Diced finely to blend seamlessly with the chicken.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Shredded for melting into the chicken mixture.

For the Special Sauce

• Ranch Dressing
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Sweet Relish

Vegetables

• Romaine Lettuce: Shredded for a refreshing crunch.
• Tomato: Sliced into half-moons for juicy bites.

Bread

• Hoagie Rolls: Lightly toasted in bacon fat for added flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Save the bacon fat in the pan for cooking the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken
   Add ground chicken to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Season with cheese steak seasoning and parmesan ranch seasoning. Cook until browned and halfway done.
3. Add the Onion
   Stir in finely diced onions and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions are soft and caramelized.
4. Make the Special Sauce
   In a bowl, mix ranch dressing, ketchup, mustard, and sweet relish. Adjust the ratios to taste.
5. Prepare the Vegetables
   Shred romaine lettuce and slice tomatoes into thin half-moons.
6. Melt the Cheese
   Sprinkle Colby Jack cheese over the chicken mixture in the skillet. Cover and let the cheese melt. Crumble the crispy bacon and fold it into the cheesy chicken mixture.
7. Toast the Rolls
   Slice hoagie rolls lengthwise and toast them in a bit of reserved bacon fat until golden.
8. Assemble the Sandwiches
   Spread a generous layer of special sauce on each roll. Add shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and a heaping portion of the cheesy chicken and bacon mixture.
9. Serve and Enjoy
   Cut the sandwiches in half for easier handling, and enjoy the ultimate messy, delicious meal!

FAQ: Bacon Ranch Chicken Chopped Cheese

1. Can I substitute the ground chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground beef, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well. Each option will bring a slightly different flavor profile, but the overall sandwich will still be delicious.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken mixture and the special sauce ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken mixture in a skillet and toast the bread fresh for the best results.

3. What’s the best type of bacon to use?
Thick-cut applewood smoked bacon adds the most flavor, but you can use any bacon you prefer. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked bacon can also work—just make sure it’s crispy for the best texture.

4. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! While Colby Jack is a great option for its meltability and mild flavor, cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or a Mexican blend cheese would all work beautifully.

5. Can I make the special sauce dairy-free?
Certainly! Swap the ranch dressing for a dairy-free alternative and ensure your ketchup, mustard, and relish are also dairy-free.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce to the special sauce, sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder into the chicken mixture, or use spicy mustard for an extra kick.

7. What kind of bread works best?
Hoagie rolls are a classic choice, but you can also use French bread, brioche buns, or even ciabatta. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the filling.

8. Can I skip the bacon?
If you don’t eat bacon, you can omit it. However, you might want to add a smoky element, such as smoked paprika, to the chicken mixture for a similar flavor boost.

9. How do I avoid overfilling the sandwich?
Gauge the size of your roll and adjust the amount of filling accordingly. Start with less, then add more if needed to avoid messy spills.

10. What sides pair well with this sandwich?
This sandwich is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• A crisp side salad
• Pickles or chips

11. Can I grill the sandwich instead of toasting the bread?
Yes! Assemble the sandwich, then grill it in a skillet or panini press until the bread is golden and the cheese inside is gooey.

12. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling a fresh sandwich.

Have more questions? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help!

This recipe isn’t about being fancy—it’s about being delicious. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo, this Bacon Ranch Chicken Chopped Cheese is sure to hit the spot. Don’t forget to grab extra napkins—you’ll need them!

About the Author

Hi, I’m Nikki! I specialize in creating simple, flavorful recipes that bring people together around the table. Follow me for more tips and tricks to simplify your cooking and elevate your meals. Keep things simple, flavorful recipes that bring people together around the table. Follow me for more tips and tricks to simplify your cooking and elevate your meals.