This Vegan Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich is loaded with savory vegan tofu chicken, smoky coconut bacon, veggies, and homemade ranch. It's packed with classic deli-style flavor in every bite.
I have been LOVING a good sandwich these days. It's a great way to load up with veggies and protein. And a sandwich is just so fresh and light in hot weather.
I also love the meal-prep aspect. A head of lettuce, a few tomatoes, and an onion can make sandwiches for days. Cook up the 'chicken' at the beginning of the week and make sandwiches for lunch/dinner all week.
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Why You'll Love This Vegan Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich
- Dietary needs - this sandwich is vegan and refined sugar free. It's easily made oil-free, and gluten-free with a gf roll.
- Classic Flavor Combo - ranch, bacon, and chicken are so classic!
- Better Than Fast Food - skip the sandwich chain!
- Great for Meal Prep - Prep the components ahead of time for lunch all week
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Tofu Chicken Ingredients
- Super Firm Tofu: look for super firm tofu, this is the vacuum packed tofu that is pre-pressed. This tofu holds up significantly better than any other firmness level. If you can't find super firm, use extra firm instead
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: for cooking, optional
- Soy Sauce, Tamari, or Liquid Aminos: this adds salty flavor. For gluten-free, use tamari or liquid aminos
- Maple Syrup or Agave: for a bit of sweetness and to help with caramelization. I typically use agave, but maple syrup works the same!
- Italian Seasoning: this is the real magic of the tofu chicken. The flavors of the herbs are those that we associate with chicken, so the tofu takes on a more chicken-like vibe
- Dill: my typical chicken recipe doesn't include dill, but I added some here to help tie in the ranch flavors
Sandwich Ingredients
- Sub Buns: I use soft crusted hoagie rolls. For gluten-free, Canyon sells a sub bun and Schar sells a ciabatta roll.
- Coconut Bacon: my homemade vegan bacon made from coconut! It's salty, smoky, and fab! If you don't want to use coconut bacon you can use a store-bought vegan bacon instead
- Romaine Lettuce: or green leaf lettuce
- Tomato: an on-the-vine, roma, or even heirloom works great
- Vegan Cheese: I used Violife cheese. Daiya is another good option. I personally leave out the cheese when I make sandwiches for a less processed option
- Avocado
- Red Onion: you can also use a yellow onion
- Vegan Ranch Dressing: my homemade vegan ranch dressing is delicious and made with vegan greek yogurt for extra protein. Feel free to also use a store bought.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the coconut bacon.
Step 2. Meanwhile, slice the block of tofu into thin rectangles.
Step 3. Heat the oil, if using, in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the tofu and cook 3-5 minutes per side until each side is golden brown and the tofu is firmer in texture.
Step 4. Add the soy sauce, agave, Italian seasoning, and dill. Stir well and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the seasonings have evenly coated the tofu and the tofu is deep brown.
Step 5. Assemble the sandwiches. Spread vegan ranch on the bottom of the bun, add lettuce, tomato, vegan cheese, the tofu chicken, avocado slices, red onion, and coconut bacon. Add the top bun. Serve immediately.
Elizabeth's Kitchen Notes
- Slice the tofu thin but not paper thin: the thinner the slice the more flavor you'll get in each chicken piece. But if you slice too thin the tofu will just fall apart.
- Pay attention to layering: these sandwiches can get really big and fall apart if you aren't intentional with layering the veggies as flat as you can
- Leave the bread un-toasted: for classic deli-style vibes
- Make a lettuce wrap: I often eat these sandwiches on lettuce instead of on a bun. Seriously, just as good.
FAQ & Expert Tips
Yep! I recommend prepping all the components in advance and assembling the sandwich right before you're ready to eat. But you can prep the night before for lunch the next day if desired.
Soft sub rolls, hoagie buns, or ciabatta all work well.
Yes! Feel free to try a store-bought chicken. Look for something that is flatter so it sits nicely in the sandwich.
Yes! Add buffalo sauce, jalapeños, or use chipotle ranch.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for these sandwiches and all the fresh ingredients that go in them. Thank you for this food that nourishes our bodies. Amen.
More vegan sandwich recipes
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📖 Recipe
Vegan Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich (with Tofu)
Ingredients
Tofu Chicken
- 1 16 Ounce Block Super Firm Tofu
- 2 Teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil for cooking optional
- ¼ Cup Soy Sauce, Tamari, or Liquid Aminos
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or Agave
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ Teaspoon Dried Dill
Sandwich
- 4 Sub Buns
- ½ Recipe Coconut Bacon
- 4 Leaves Romaine Lettuce
- 1 Medium Tomato thinly sliced
- 4 Slices Vegan Cheese optional
- 1 Medium Avocado sliced
- ½ Small Red Onion thinly sliced
- ½ Cup Vegan Ranch Dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the coconut bacon.
- Meanwhile, slice the block of tofu into thin rectangles.
- Heat the oil, if using, in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the tofu and cook 3-5 minutes per side until each side is golden brown and the tofu is firmer in texture.
- Add the soy sauce, agave, Italian seasoning, and dill. Stir well and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the seasonings have evenly coated the tofu and the tofu is deep brown.
- Assemble the sandwiches. Spread vegan ranch on the bottom of the bun, add lettuce, tomato, vegan cheese, the tofu chicken, avocado slices, red onion, and coconut bacon. Add the top bun. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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