Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread

If you’re craving a savory and comforting dish, Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread is the perfect choice! This easy-to-make recipe is a delicious combination of tender shredded chicken, savory ham, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all stuffed inside a loaf of fresh French bread. The result is a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a fun party appetizer. This stuffed bread is baked to perfection, making the cheese melt beautifully and creating a perfect fusion of flavors in every bite.

The best part is that this dish comes together in just under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s an incredibly versatile dish, and whether you enjoy it on its own or with a side salad, Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread is sure to impress. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or ham, making it both practical and flavorful. Serve it for family dinners, gatherings, or simply when you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Ready in just 25-30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

2. Packed with Flavor

The combination of chicken, ham, mozzarella, and ranch dressing creates a rich, savory filling that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

3. One-Dish Meal

This recipe uses only a loaf of bread and a few ingredients, making cleanup easy and convenient.

4. Customizable

You can swap the chicken or ham for other meats or even vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

5. Great for Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken or ham, this is a fantastic recipe to turn them into a completely new and exciting dish!

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup ham, diced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken and ham with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions for a vegetarian option.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone to give the bread a unique twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add some sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for some heat.
• Add Bacon: For an extra indulgent touch, you can add crispy bacon pieces to the filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Cut the French bread in half lengthwise and hollow out the center of each half, leaving a shell around the edges.

Step 3: Add Ranch Dressing

Spread ranch dressing generously on the inside of each bread half.

Step 4: Layer the Fillings

On one half of the bread, layer the shredded chicken, diced ham, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Assemble the Bread

Place the other half of the bread on top and gently press down to secure the filling inside.

Step 6: Bake the Stuffed Bread

Wrap the stuffed bread in foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the stuffed bread with chopped fresh parsley before slicing and serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overstuff the Bread: Be sure not to overfill the bread, as this may cause the filling to spill out while baking.
• Use Fresh French Bread: For the best texture and flavor, use a fresh, crusty loaf of French bread.
• Keep the Bread from Getting Too Hard: Wrapping the stuffed bread in foil helps keep it soft and prevents it from becoming too crunchy.
• Add Extra Flavors: If you like garlic, try brushing the outside of the bread with a little melted butter mixed with garlic powder before baking for added flavor.

How to Serve

Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy potato fries for a complete meal. For an appetizer, slice the stuffed bread into smaller pieces and serve it with a dipping sauce like marinara or extra ranch dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezing

This recipe can be frozen after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from the freezer, wrapped in foil, at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until hot and melted.

Reheating

For reheating, place individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?

Yes, store-bought ranch dressing will work perfectly fine. If you prefer homemade ranch, that’s a great option too!

2. Can I add more meat?

Definitely! You can add more chicken, ham, or even sausage for a heartier filling.

3. Can I use a different kind of bread?

If you prefer a softer option, you can try using a baguette or even a hoagie roll.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bread ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! You can use any cheese you like—cheddar, Swiss, or provolone are great options.

6. How do I know when it’s fully baked?

The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the bread should be slightly crispy on the edges. If the cheese isn’t fully melted, bake for a few more minutes.

7. Is this recipe good for a party?

Yes, it makes for an excellent party snack! You can slice it into smaller pieces and serve it with dipping sauces.

8. Can I freeze the stuffed bread?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed bread before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil before freezing.

9. How do I reheat frozen stuffed bread?

Reheat frozen stuffed bread in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot.

10. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes! Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions would be a great addition to this recipe.

Conclusion

Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the best flavors of chicken, ham, mozzarella, and ranch dressing in a warm, freshly baked loaf of French bread. With its quick preparation time and customizable ingredients, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a casual get-together. Whether served as a main dish or an appetizer, this stuffed bread is sure to become a family favorite.

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