Chicken Bacon Rancher Panera Sandwich
A delicious homemade version of the popular Chicken Bacon Rancher sandwich, featuring juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and homemade ranch dressing on high-quality bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ½-inch thickness Grill or pan-sear until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
For the Bacon
- 8 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon Bake or pan-fry until crispy.
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices quality bread (Focaccia, Sourdough, or Ciabatta) Your choice of bread.
- 8 slices aged white cheddar cheese For the best melt, shred yourself from a block.
- 1 cup homemade ranch dressing Use a blend of mayo, buttermilk, and herbs.
- 2 tbsp melted butter mixed with garlic powder Optional, for spreading on the bread.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them for 4-6 minutes per side until done. Let them rest before slicing.
Cooking the Bacon
- Bake or pan-fry your bacon until it reaches your desired crispiness.
Preparing the Bread
- Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing on all 8 slices of bread.
Layering the Ingredients
- On 4 slices of prepared bread, layer one slice of cheddar, half a sliced chicken breast, and two slices of bacon. Top with the second slice of cheddar.
Toasting
- Close the sandwiches and toast in a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and the cheese is melted.
Serving
- Slice the sandwiches diagonally and enjoy immediately.
Notes
This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook chicken and bacon ahead of time and store them in airtight containers. Assemble and toast as needed. Customize with options like avocado or BBQ sauce as desired.