Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or an easy weeknight dinner? Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls are here to save the day! These buttery, golden rolls are stuffed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and zesty ranch flavor—all baked to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a potluck, or just craving something irresistible, this recipe delivers every time. Let’s make our Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 12-pack dinner rolls (Hawaiian rolls work beautifully)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Butter Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Slice the dinner rolls horizontally as a whole sheet, keeping the bottom layer intact. Place the bottom half in the baking dish.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and fresh parsley (if using). Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
- Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the bottom half of the rolls.
- Place the top half of the rolls back over the filling.
4. Add the Butter Topping:
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, onion powder, and salt.
- Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls, ensuring every roll is well-coated.
5. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and pull them apart to enjoy gooey, cheesy goodness!
Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the rolls a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when ready to serve.
- Leftover Chicken: Use any leftover chicken, whether roasted, grilled, or even fried.
- Customizable Filling: Add a touch of heat with diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for a quick snack.
- Freeze: Wrap assembled rolls tightly in foil (before baking) and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken: Replace ranch dressing with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- BBQ Bacon Chicken: Swap ranch for BBQ sauce and add a sprinkle of fried onions for a smoky twist.
- Veggie Lovers: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers to the filling for a veggie-packed version.
- Turkey Twist: Use leftover turkey and cranberry sauce for a Thanksgiving-inspired roll.
Nutrition Details
Per Serving (1 roll, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken can work for this recipe.
Q: Can I substitute the ranch dressing?
A: Yes! Try Caesar dressing, garlic aioli, or even sour cream for a slightly different flavor profile.
Q: How do I prevent the rolls from becoming soggy?
A: Use just enough ranch dressing to coat the filling without overloading it. You can also pat the chicken dry before shredding it.
Q: What’s the best cheese combination?
A: Mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for flavor are classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, gouda, or provolone.
Q: Can I use gluten-free rolls?
A: Yes, substitute regular rolls with gluten-free dinner rolls for a gluten-free version.