Savory Grilled Ranch Chicken Bacon Sandwich Melt
A hearty and satisfying sandwich featuring juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning homemade or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
For the sandwich
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 6 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese or mozzarella for milder meltiness
- 6 slices sturdy sandwich bread sourdough or Texas toast preferred
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
Optional toppings
- leafy lettuce or baby spinach
- tomato slices
- pickles or jalapeños
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken breast with ranch seasoning and mayonnaise. Toss until well coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes if possible.
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
- Using the same skillet, drain excess bacon fat if needed. Add the ranch-coated chicken slices in a single layer and cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Cook in batches if necessary.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side, layer the cooked chicken, 2 slices of bacon, and 1 slice of cheese per sandwich. Add optional toppings like lettuce or tomato if desired. Place another buttered bread slice on top, butter side out.
- Heat the skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Flip carefully.
- Remove the sandwiches from the pan and let them rest for a minute before slicing in half to allow the cheese to set.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. For added flavor, try marinating the chicken for a longer period. Don't skip on the butter! It adds a delicious crispness to the bread.