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This Chicken Bacon Ranch Grilled Cheese Sandwich is an easy grilled cheese variation loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melty American and cheddar cheese. Creamy ranch ties everything together!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Grilled Cheese Variation
I think the name of this sandwich very clearly details why you’ll love this grilled cheese variation. Chicken + Bacon + Ranch + Cheese??? All incredible ingredients, especially when combined together. But here’s a few additional reasons why you’ll love this sandwich:
- It’s a full meal – loaded with protein, it’ll fill you up more than a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
- Use leftover chicken – it’s a great way to use up leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
- Ultra melty and delicious! I like to use a combination of American cheese (for the melt factor!) and sharp cheddar cheese for the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Grilled Cheese
If you’ve made a grilled cheese sandwich before, you likely don’t need a detailed explanation for how to make this variation, but I do have a few tips and tricks that may be helpful.
- Combine the ranch and chicken in a small bowl: I find that incorporating the ranch dressing this way helps prevent a soggy sandwich.
- Spread butter or mayo on one side of the bread. Yes mayo, if you haven’t tried it, it’s delicious! I prefer to spread it directly on the bread versus melting butter in the pan.
- Layer it up: bread, American cheese, chicken + ranch mixture, bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, American cheese… in that order.
- Cook low and slow until toasted, then flip and continue toasting on the other side.
The Best grilled cheese tips!
- Don’t skip the American cheese- it melts the best! I like a combo of American + cheddar for the best melt/flavor combo.
- Cook low and slow. Don’t rush the process! Low and slow allows the cheese to fully melt.
- Try adding avocado or tomatoes for a fun variation!
- Try extra ranch on the side for dipping- my homemade ranch dressing is so good for this!
What To Serve With It
I like to serve this with a salad or soup for dinner and a side of fresh fruit always pairs well with this! My easy macaroni salad is also a great option! Do you have a favorite grilled cheese recipe? Any tips on making the best grilled cheese? I’d love to hear!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread – thick cut like Texas toast
- 1 cup chicken breasts, cooked chopped or sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices bacon, cooked
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2-3 tablespoons creamy ranch dressing
- 2-3 tablespoons butter or mayo
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the filling: in a small bowl, toss together cooked chopped chicken and ranch dressing. Stir to combine.
- Butter the bread: spread an even layer of butter or mayo on one side of the bread. This will face out.
- Assemble the sandwiches: place the buttered side of the bread facing down on your working surface. On the non-buttered side of the bread add a slice of American cheese, chicken + ranch mixture, bacon, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, another slice of American cheese, then top with a slice of bread, buttered side facing out. Repeat this for both sandwiches.
- Cook low and slow: heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook until toasted to your liking, about 3-5 minutes. Flip the sandwiches and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, until golden brown.
- Rest for 1-2 minutes, then serve.
