Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread

Looking for a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal? Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread is a perfect choice! This savory stuffed bread is filled with tender shredded chicken, savory ham, melty mozzarella cheese, and tangy ranch dressing, all encased in a crispy, golden loaf of French bread. The ranch dressing adds a creamy, zesty kick that complements the hearty flavors of chicken and ham, making it an irresistible dish for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer for a party.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite meats, cheeses, or even veggies. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a crowd or just enjoy a cozy meal, Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread has you covered. Plus, it’s easy to make and bakes up in just under 30 minutes. Serve it with a side salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavor-Packed

The combination of ranch dressing, shredded chicken, ham, and melted mozzarella creates a deliciously savory, creamy filling that’s full of flavor.

2. Quick and Easy

With a simple prep time and only 20 minutes in the oven, this stuffed bread is a fast meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste or quality.

3. Customizable

Feel free to swap out the chicken or ham for your favorite meats, or add extra veggies or spices to make it your own.

4. Great for Meal Prep

This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days, making it a perfect option for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

5. Fun to Serve

Stuffed bread makes for a fun, interactive meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s easy to slice and share, making it perfect for casual meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

• French bread
• Ranch dressing
• Cooked chicken, shredded
• Ham, diced
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Variations

• Add Veggies: You can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Swap the Meats: Try using turkey, roast beef, or even bacon in place of the chicken and ham.
• Cheese Options: While mozzarella works perfectly, you can substitute it with cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
• Add Spices: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or chili powder in the filling for an extra kick.

How to Make Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Slice the French bread in half lengthwise, creating two long pieces. Hollow out the inside of each half, making a trench to hold the filling. Be sure to leave enough bread around the edges to keep the filling secure.

Step 3: Add Ranch Dressing

Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing on the inside of both bread halves. This will help bind the filling together and give it a rich, tangy flavor.

Step 4: Layer the Filling

Evenly layer the shredded chicken, diced ham, and shredded mozzarella cheese inside each hollowed-out bread half. The cheese will melt and bind the ingredients together while baking, creating a gooey, cheesy center.

Step 5: Bake

Place the stuffed bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the bread is out of the oven, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Slice into pieces and serve while still warm.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Stale Bread: If you’re using day-old French bread, it will hold its shape better when hollowed out and won’t get soggy from the filling.
• Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to overstuff the bread, as it can become too difficult to manage. A generous but balanced amount of filling is key.
• Brush with Butter: For an extra golden, crispy finish, brush the top of the bread with a little melted butter before baking.
• Add Some Heat: For those who enjoy spice, drizzle some buffalo sauce or add jalapeños to the filling for an added kick.

How to Serve

Serve your Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread as a main dish with a fresh side salad or vegetable sticks. It also pairs well with a bowl of soup, such as tomato or vegetable soup, for a comforting meal. You can also serve it as a party appetizer, sliced into smaller pieces for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the stuffed bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

This stuffed bread freezes well! To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F until hot and crispy.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your stuffed bread in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp it back up. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the bread from becoming too dry.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use any sturdy bread, such as baguette or Italian bread, if you prefer. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the filling.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and ham and fill the bread with a mixture of sautéed vegetables and cheese for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the bread ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

4. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses, depending on your preference.

5. Can I add other seasonings?

Feel free to add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or other herbs to the ranch dressing for extra flavor.

6. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes! Leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe.

7. Can I make this without ranch dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the ranch dressing with mayonnaise, sour cream, or a creamy garlic sauce for a different flavor.

8. How do I avoid the bread getting too soggy?

Make sure you hollow out the bread properly and don’t overstuff it with filling. You can also lightly toast the bread before filling it to create a barrier against the dressing.

9. Can I add bacon to the filling?

Absolutely! Crumbled bacon would add a delicious smoky flavor and crunchy texture.

10. Can I use a smaller loaf of bread?

Yes, you can use smaller individual-sized loaves of French bread. Just adjust the amount of filling accordingly.

Conclusion

Chicken Ham Ranch Stuffed Bread is a deliciously satisfying and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, melty mozzarella cheese, and creamy ranch dressing makes for a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, at a party, or as a fun lunch option, this stuffed bread is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a hearty, delicious dish that everyone will love!

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