The Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club from Jack in the Box features crispy fried chicken breast topped with creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and melted cheese, all nestled between a toasted, buttery bun for a savory and satisfying sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Oven or toaster
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer (optional)
- Sauce bottle or spoon
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 slices bacon
- 4 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 2 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 ripe tomato
- 2 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 2 brioche or sandwich buns
- 2 tablespoons butter
Using fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce leaves significantly enhances the sandwich's texture and flavor. Marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bite. Seasoning the flour mixture with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper creates a well-balanced and savory coating for the fried chicken. Your choice of cheese, whether cheddar or American, should melt smoothly to complement the other ingredients perfectly. Preparing this Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club from Jack in the Box copycat menu at home allows you to customize flavors and enjoy a restaurant-quality sandwich.
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness on cutting board using knife.
- Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour, coating evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken breasts in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove chicken from oil with tongs and drain on baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Place bacon slices on baking sheet and bake in oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy, 10–15 minutes.
- Slice tomato and lettuce using knife and cutting board.
- Slice cheese if not pre-sliced using cheese slicer.
- Slice buns in half with knife.
- Butter insides of buns.
- Toast buns in oven or toaster until golden brown.
- Place fried chicken breast on bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Top chicken with cheese slice, 2 bacon slices, lettuce leaf, and tomato slices.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over toppings using sauce bottle or spoon.
- Cover with top half of bun.
- Serve assembled sandwich on plate or tray.
Substitution
Recreating the Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club from Jack in the Box at home allows you to tailor the sandwich to your taste preferences and ingredient availability. If buttermilk is not on hand, you can substitute it by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes to sour. When frying chicken, use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350degF to ensure a crispy exterior without undercooking. If brioche buns are unavailable, any sturdy sandwich bun or artisan roll will work to hold the sandwich fillings securely. Your choice of cheese can vary as well; cheddar, American, or even pepper jack slices complement the flavors well while melting nicely.
Tips
Ensure you pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to promote uniform cooking and avoid undercooked or overcooked spots. Maintain the deep fryer temperature at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy and golden crust without greasy results. Use tongs to safely handle hot chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, preserving crispiness. When toasting buns, buttering the cut sides beforehand enhances flavor and prevents sogginess, giving your sandwich that satisfying texture and richness.
Nutritions
The Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club delivers a protein-rich meal primarily from the crispy fried chicken breasts and bacon, essential for muscle repair and energy. Your sandwich also supplies calcium and vitamin D from melted cheddar or American cheese, supporting bone health. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomato contribute dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that aid digestion and immune function. The sandwich's calorie content varies mainly with the creamy ranch dressing and fried components, so moderation is key for balancing taste and nutrition.
Storage
Store any leftover Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club sandwiches by wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn. Place wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month for optimal freshness. Before enjoying your saved sandwich, reheat it in the oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy texture of the fried chicken and melted cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the buttermilk marinade for a spicy buffalo sauce to add a kick to the chicken. Instead of deep frying, try oven-baking the chicken breasts at 400degF for 20-25 minutes for a healthier option. For a different flavor profile, substitute ranch dressing with a chipotle mayo or avocado spread. Using sourdough or multigrain buns can also enhance the sandwich's texture and nutritional value.
Allergies
The Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club contains common allergens such as dairy from the buttermilk, cheese, and ranch dressing, as well as wheat from the all-purpose flour and sandwich buns, which could affect individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. Bacon and fried chicken also pose a risk for those with pork allergies or sensitivities to fried foods. Your awareness of these ingredients is crucial to avoid potential allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club from Jack in the Box is popular for its crispy chicken breast, flavorful ranch sauce, and premium ingredients like fresh lettuce, tomato, and bacon layered on a toasted bun. Its well-balanced taste combines creamy, savory, and crunchy textures that satisfy a variety of cravings. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the seasoning and ingredient quality, ensuring your homemade sandwich matches your personal preferences. The recipe is worth trying for an affordable and delicious meal that captures the essence of this fast-food favorite.