If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or an indulgent weeknight dinner, look no further than Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls. These gooey, savory rolls combine shredded chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tangy ranch dressing, all nestled in soft, buttery rolls. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or cozy family meals, these rolls are as easy to make as they are to devour. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, they’ll be gone before you know it.
Let’s go to preparing our Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls and enjoy it.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 1 package (12 rolls) Hawaiian sweet rolls or slider buns
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Rolls
- Without separating the rolls, slice the entire package horizontally in half. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble the Filling
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the bottom layer of rolls.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the chicken.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing over the chicken and bacon.
- Evenly distribute the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the ranch layer.
- Top with the Rolls
- Place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Brush and Bake
- Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the top of the rolls.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Let the rolls cool for 5 minutes before serving. Use a knife or spatula to pull apart the individual rolls.
Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken:
For maximum convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shred it finely for even distribution. - Crispy Bacon Hack:
Bake your bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 15–20 minutes for perfectly crisp pieces. - Customizable Cheese Blend:
Try swapping mozzarella and cheddar with Monterey Jack, provolone, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. - Make Ahead:
Assemble the rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake fresh when needed. - Ranch Dressing Alternatives:
Prefer homemade? Mix equal parts mayo and sour cream, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley for a quick DIY ranch dressing.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain the texture. - Freezing:
Wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) from frozen for 20–25 minutes.
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Style:
Replace the ranch dressing with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. Add a drizzle of blue cheese dressing before serving for extra flavor. - Vegetarian Version:
Substitute the chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers. Use ranch dressing or a creamy garlic sauce. - Barbecue Chicken Twist:
Use barbecue sauce in place of ranch dressing and add caramelized onions to the filling. - Breakfast Rolls:
Swap chicken for scrambled eggs and add crumbled breakfast sausage. Serve with a side of ranch or hot sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Details
Per Roll (1 of 12):
- Calories: 250–300
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
Note: Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredient brands and quantities used.
FAQ
1. Can I use other types of rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Yes, you can use slider buns, dinner rolls, or even ciabatta for a slightly different texture.
2. What’s the best way to keep the rolls from getting soggy?
Toast the bottom layer of rolls in the oven for 5 minutes before assembling if you’re concerned about sogginess.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheeses and a ranch dressing alternative made with plant-based ingredients.
4. How do I prevent the top rolls from burning?
Cover the rolls with foil for the first part of baking, and remove it for the last 10 minutes to brown the tops evenly.
5. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, spinach, or sautéed onions would be excellent additions.