BBQ Ranch Chicken Crunch: Recreating the Jimmy John’s Sensation at Home!

Italian Chef Team

4 months ago

BBQ Ranch Chicken Crunch: Recreating the Jimmy John’s Sensation at Home!

Are you craving the bold flavors and satisfying crunch of Jimmy John’s new BBQ Ranch Chicken Crunch sandwich but don’t want to leave the house? Or perhaps you’re looking for a healthier, customizable version you can make yourself? Look no further! This guide will walk you through recreating this delicious sandwich in your own kitchen, step-by-step, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying meal.

## What Makes the BBQ Ranch Chicken Crunch So Good?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down why this sandwich is so popular. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes:

* **Juicy Chicken:** Tender, well-seasoned chicken is the foundation of the sandwich.
* **Tangy BBQ Ranch Sauce:** A creamy, tangy sauce that combines the best of barbecue and ranch flavors.
* **Crunchy Onions:** Crispy fried onions add a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness.
* **Sharp Cheddar Cheese:** Adds a sharp, savory note that complements the other flavors.
* **Fresh Lettuce and Tomato:** Provides freshness and a touch of acidity.
* **Soft French Bread:** A sturdy yet soft bread that holds all the ingredients together.

## Recreating the Magic: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe is divided into several parts to ensure each component is perfect. We’ll cover the BBQ Ranch sauce, the crispy fried onions, the seasoned chicken, and finally, the assembly of the sandwich.

### 1. The BBQ Ranch Sauce: A Flavor Explosion

This sauce is the heart of the sandwich, bringing together the smoky sweetness of BBQ and the creamy tanginess of ranch. You can adjust the ratios to your liking for a more BBQ-forward or ranch-forward flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite brand)
* 2 tablespoons Buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice)
* 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
* 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon Dried Dill
* 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
* Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional, for a little heat)
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, buttermilk (or milk mixture), and apple cider vinegar.
2. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried dill, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor, more apple cider vinegar for tanginess, or more spices for a bolder flavor.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Spice it up:** Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
* **Smoky flavor:** Use a smoked mayonnaise for an even smokier flavor profile.
* **Fresh herbs:** Add finely chopped fresh dill or chives for a burst of freshness.
* **Healthier option:** Use light mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for a lighter sauce.

### 2. The Crispy Fried Onions: Adding the Crunch

These crispy fried onions are crucial for achieving the signature crunch of the sandwich. You can use store-bought fried onions for convenience, but homemade ones are much tastier and surprisingly easy to make.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
* 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
* 1/4 cup Cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* Vegetable Oil, for frying

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the onions:** Separate the onion slices into individual rings. Soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes. This helps to remove some of the harshness and allows the coating to adhere better.
2. **Make the coating:** In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. **Heat the oil:** Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
4. **Dredge the onions:** Drain the onion rings well and pat them dry with paper towels. Working in batches, dredge the onion rings in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
5. **Fry the onions:** Carefully add the dredged onion rings to the hot oil in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the onions from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. **Season immediately:** While the onions are still hot, sprinkle them with a little extra salt, if desired.

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Even slicing:** Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even onion slices, ensuring they cook evenly.
* **Buttermilk soak:** Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for 30 minutes before dredging for extra flavor and tenderness.
* **Spicy onions:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for spicy fried onions.
* **Air fryer option:** For a healthier alternative, you can air fry the onions. Toss the dredged onion rings with a tablespoon of oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

### 3. The Seasoned Chicken: The Hearty Protein

Now, let’s prepare the chicken. You can use chicken breasts or chicken tenders for this recipe. Chicken thighs also work well and will give a more flavorful result.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound Chicken Breast or Tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
* 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
* 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the chicken:** If using chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes or strips. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. **Season the chicken:** In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
3. **Cook the chicken:** Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, flipping occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Marinate the chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, in the refrigerator.
* **Spicy chicken:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mixture for spicy chicken.
* **Grilled chicken:** Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
* **Breaded Chicken:** Coat the chicken in breadcrumbs before cooking for a crispy texture. Combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with the spices above. Dip the chicken in a beaten egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture before frying.

### 4. Assembling the BBQ Ranch Chicken Crunch Sandwich

Now for the fun part: putting it all together!

**Ingredients:**

* 1 French Bread Loaf, or your favorite sandwich bread
* BBQ Ranch Sauce (prepared)
* Crispy Fried Onions (prepared)
* Cooked Seasoned Chicken (prepared)
* 4 slices Cheddar Cheese
* Shredded Lettuce
* Sliced Tomato

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the bread:** Slice the French bread loaf in half horizontally. You can toast the bread lightly if desired.
2. **Spread the sauce:** Spread a generous amount of BBQ Ranch sauce on both halves of the bread.
3. **Add the cheese:** Place the cheddar cheese slices on the bottom half of the bread.
4. **Layer the chicken:** Arrange the cooked seasoned chicken over the cheese.
5. **Pile on the onions:** Add a generous amount of crispy fried onions on top of the chicken.
6. **Add the lettuce and tomato:** Top with shredded lettuce and sliced tomato.
7. **Top it off:** Place the top half of the bread over the filling.
8. **Serve immediately:** Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!

**Tips and Variations:**

* **Press the sandwich:** For a more compact sandwich, you can press it in a panini press or under a heavy skillet for a few minutes.
* **Add bacon:** Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
* **Spicy toppings:** Add pickled jalapeños or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
* **Different cheese:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
* **Vegetarian option:** Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu for a vegetarian version.

## Recipe Summary:

**BBQ Ranch Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce
* 2 tablespoons Buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
* 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon Dried Dill
* 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
* Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
* Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together all ingredients.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

**Crispy Fried Onions:**

* 1 large Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
* 1/4 cup Cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* Vegetable Oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Soak onion slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge onion rings in flour mixture.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

**Seasoned Chicken:**

Instructions:

1. Toss chicken with olive oil and spices.
2. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.

**Sandwich Assembly:**

* 1 French Bread Loaf
* BBQ Ranch Sauce
* Crispy Fried Onions
* Cooked Seasoned Chicken
* 4 slices Cheddar Cheese
* Shredded Lettuce
* Sliced Tomato

Instructions:

1. Slice and optionally toast the bread.
2. Spread BBQ Ranch sauce on both halves.
3. Layer cheese, chicken, onions, lettuce, and tomato.
4. Top with the other half of the bread.
5. Serve immediately.

## Final Thoughts

Recreating the Jimmy John’s BBQ Ranch Chicken Crunch sandwich at home is a fun and rewarding culinary adventure. Not only can you customize the ingredients to your liking, but you can also enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without leaving your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to experience the irresistible flavors and textures of this popular sandwich. Enjoy!

Tags: Recipes