The Asiago Ranch Chicken Club from Wendy's features a juicy, crispy chicken fillet topped with creamy Asiago cheese, smoky bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and cool ranch sauce, all layered on a toasted bun for a savory and satisfying sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer/grater
- Toaster or grill (for buns)
- Spatula
- Squeeze bottle or spoon (for ranch sauce)
- Holding tray or plate
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 slices Asiago cheese
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 leaves romaine lettuce
- 2 slices ripe tomato
- 4 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 2 sandwich buns
When preparing the Asiago Ranch Chicken Club, ensure the chicken breasts are evenly pounded to promote uniform cooking and a crispy texture. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat while infusing moisture, which is essential before dredging in seasoned flour. Use high-quality Asiago cheese slices for a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the smoky bacon and fresh vegetables. Keep the oil temperature steady at around 350degF to achieve a perfectly crispy fillet without excessive oil absorption. Your homemade version of the Asiago Ranch Chicken Club from Wendy's will deliver the same satisfying layers of flavor and texture found in the restaurant's iconic sandwich.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness; cut in half for 4 pieces.
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk; dredge in seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (6–8 minutes); drain on holding tray or plate.
- Cook bacon in skillet until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Slice romaine lettuce and tomato.
- Toast sandwich buns on toaster or grill until golden and warm.
- Assemble sandwich: Place fried chicken fillet on bun bottom.
- Layer with Asiago cheese slice, bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
- Spoon or squeeze ranch dressing over toppings.
- Top with other bun half and serve immediately.
Substitution
The Asiago Ranch Chicken Club copycat features crispy fried chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk and coated with a seasoned flour blend for a flavorful crunch. If fresh Asiago cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with Parmesan or a mild white cheddar to maintain a similar creamy texture and taste. When frying the chicken, using a deep fryer set to 350degF ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior; alternatively, a heavy skillet with enough vegetable oil can work. Bacon can be cooked ahead and kept warm on a holding tray to streamline assembly. Toasting the sandwich buns on a grill or toaster enhances texture and prevents sogginess when layering your toppings, ensuring your sandwich stays delicious bite after bite.
Tips
Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking and juicy results. Maintain oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve a crispy, golden crust without greasiness. Use a holding tray or plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil from fried chicken and bacon, preventing sogginess. When assembling your sandwich, layering the Asiago cheese on the hot chicken lets it slightly melt, enhancing flavor and texture.
Nutritions
The Asiago Ranch Chicken Club provides a substantial protein boost from the crispy chicken fillets and thick-cut bacon, contributing to muscle repair and satiety. Asiago cheese adds calcium and fats, supporting bone health and providing a rich flavor profile. The fresh romaine lettuce and ripe tomatoes supply essential vitamins like A and C, along with dietary fiber to aid digestion. Your meal also contains calories from bread and ranch dressing, which offer energy but should be consumed mindfully within a balanced diet.
Storage
Store leftover Asiago Ranch Chicken Club components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Keep cooked chicken, bacon, and cheese in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking; consume within 3-4 days. Wash and store lettuce and tomato slices in a sealed container with paper towels to absorb moisture, ensuring your sandwich ingredients stay crisp and flavorful.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the Asiago cheese with sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Instead of deep-frying, try pan-searing the chicken fillet for a lighter, less oily option. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save time without compromising taste. For a spicy twist, mix hot sauce into the ranch dressing before spreading it on the sandwich.
Allergies
The Asiago Ranch Chicken Club contains common allergens such as dairy from the Asiago cheese and ranch dressing, gluten from the all-purpose flour and sandwich buns, and eggs which may be present in the ranch dressing. Bacon may also pose risks for individuals with pork allergies, and cross-contamination with other allergens is possible during preparation. You should consult ingredient labels carefully and inform the staff about any allergies before ordering to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Asiago Ranch Chicken Club from Wendy's features a unique combination of savory Asiago cheese and creamy ranch sauce that creates a rich, flavorful profile appealing to many taste buds. Its crispy chicken fillet is paired with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and smoked bacon, offering a satisfying texture contrast and smoky undertone. Making a copycat version at home lets you customize ingredients to your preference, ensuring freshness and control over quality. You'll enjoy recreating this popular sandwich with the same bold flavors while tailoring it to your taste.