Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

These pull-apart rolls are an irresistible combination of tender chicken, crisp bacon, and gooey Colby Jack cheese, all layered inside buttery potato rolls. Each roll is brushed with a savory blend of chives, garlic, and ranch salad dressing for extra flavor. After baking until golden, the rolls are soft inside and lightly crisp on top, perfect as a party snack or quick main course. They're easily assembled ahead, store well in the fridge, and reheat beautifully for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 11:58:06 GMT
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These Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart Rolls are my answer to those days when you want comfort food that brings the family together. Packed with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, gooey cheese, and a buttery ranch drizzle on pillowy soft rolls, this recipe nails it every time – whether it is a game day snack or a weeknight dinner.

The first time I brought these rolls to a neighborhood block party, the tray vanished in minutes. Now my kids beg for them at sleepovers, and no one ever guesses how easy they are to make.

Ingredients

  • Potato rolls look for a super soft twelve pack like Martins or your favorite bakery brand the texture makes these pull apart beautifully
  • Thin sliced deli chicken or use leftover cooked chicken the savory base of every bite
  • Bacon cooked until crisp for smoky crunch throughout pick thick cut if you can find it
  • Colby jack cheese creamy and mild with that perfect meltness aim for freshly sliced cheese from the deli
  • Prepared ranch salad dressing gives the signature flavor and creamy tang choose a quality refrigerated ranch if possible
  • Butter for that rich finish it blends with herbs to soak into every roll
  • Fresh chives the secret herb that lifts all the flavors fresh is always best
  • Garlic salt or garlic powder for big savory punch pricier salts have a cleaner flavor
  • Onion powder brings warmth and depth
  • Grated parmesan cheese nutty finish offers that classic cheesy topping use fresh grated for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep:
Set your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent cheese from sticking and makes cleanup simple. Cook your bacon ahead of time until it is crisp and crumble it into bits.
Slice and Arrange:
Take a serrated bread knife and carefully slice the whole pack of potato rolls through the middle horizontally. Set the roll bottoms side by side on your prepared baking sheet. Keep the tops aside for later.
Make Herb Butter:
In a small saucepan on medium heat melt together your butter with chopped chives garlic salt and onion powder. Stir until everything is fragrant and the butter is bubbling gently.
Brush the Rolls:
Take a pastry brush and coat the bottoms of the rolls with one third of your herb butter making sure to get into the corners and edges.
Layer the Fillings:
Lay down half the colby jack cheese slices breaking them to fit every edge. Now scatter the shredded chicken evenly over the cheese and top that with the bacon crumbles for flavor in every bite.
Drizzle Ranch:
Spoon ranch dressing in an even layer over the bacon and chicken so every roll gets some creamy tang. Place the rest of the cheese slices over the fillings.
Add the Top Rolls:
Brush the cut side of the top rolls with more herb butter then gently place the tops back on over the cheese.
Final Butter and Cheese:
Brush the rest of your seasoned butter over the top and down the sides of the assembled rolls. Sprinkle the whole tray generously with grated parmesan cheese for a golden finish.
Bake Covered and Uncovered:
Tent the pan loosely with foil and bake for twenty minutes to melt the cheese and heat through. Remove the foil and bake another five to ten minutes until the tops are golden and crisp.
Slice and Serve:
Remove the tray and let it cool a minute. Use a sharp knife to slice the rolls apart cleanly. Serve hot with extra ranch for dipping if you like.
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Colby jack cheese is my family’s favorite for these rolls – the way it melts makes every bite extra stringy and fun. Once we made a double batch for a picnic and there were none left by the time we finished setting out the drinks.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best texture, reheat in the oven wrapped in foil or pop a few in the air fryer to bring back the crisp top. These also microwave well for a quick snack the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try cooked turkey instead of chicken for a different twist, or swap in sharp cheddar or mozzarella if you are out of colby jack. Gluten free rolls work well here too, and turkey bacon is a delicious lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these rolls with chopped veggies and extra ranch for dipping at parties, or pair with a crisp side salad for a quick meal. They are great as afterschool snacks and even disappear fast at brunch tables.

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Cultural Context

Pull apart rolls are a Southern classic at gatherings and potlucks. This version takes a deli favorite, chicken bacon ranch, and turns it into a warm baked treat that gets everyone reaching for seconds. The buttery herbed topping is one of those Southern secrets every home cook should know.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the filled rolls a day in advance and chill, but wait to brush with butter and Parmesan until just before baking.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

The rolls reheat well in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. Oven or air fryer is preferred to keep the outside slightly crisp.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of deli slices?

Absolutely! Chopped rotisserie chicken is a great substitute and adds extra flavor and moisture to the rolls.

→ How can I make the rolls less salty?

Use a lower sodium ranch dressing, unsalted butter, and taste your bacon before adding extra salt to control the seasoning.

→ Are there alternative cheeses that work well?

Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella for Colby Jack based on your taste.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pull Apart

Chicken, bacon, melted cheese and ranch dressing layered on fluffy potato rolls for a savory bite.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 12 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 1 15 oz pack 12-count potato rolls
02 1 pound thinly sliced deli chicken or 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
03 8-10 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
04 12 slices colby jack cheese
05 1/3 cup prepared Ranch salad dressing
06 1/2 cup butter
07 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
08 1 teaspoon garlic salt or garlic powder
09 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cook bacon until crisp, crumble, and set aside.

Step 02

Using a serrated knife, cut through the middle of the potato rolls. Place the bottoms side by side on the baking sheet. Set the tops aside.

Step 03

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together butter, chives, garlic salt, and onion powder.

Step 04

Brush the bottoms of the rolls with about 1/3 of the seasoned butter. Layer half of the cheese slices. Arrange chicken and bacon over the cheese.

Step 05

Drizzle Ranch dressing over the chicken. Add the remaining cheese slices. Tear slices as needed to fit.

Step 06

Place the top half of rolls over the cheese. Brush liberally with the remaining seasoned garlic butter.

Step 07

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top and sides of the slider rolls.

Step 08

Cover the rolls loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until tops are lightly golden brown.

Step 09

Use a sharp knife to cut sliders apart. Serve immediately with additional Ranch dressing, if desired.

Tips

  1. These rolls can be assembled one day in advance, covered with plastic wrap, and chilled in the refrigerator.
  2. When making in advance, allow 15 minutes at room temperature and wait to brush with butter and Parmesan cheese before baking.
  3. Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  4. Reheat sliders in the microwave, air fryer, or oven.

Required Tools

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Serrated knife
  • Small saucepan
  • Basting brush

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese and butter).
  • Contains gluten (potato rolls).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 264
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 16 g