Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Recipe You’ll Love

If you’re craving a delicious and easy-to-make meal, the chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe is the perfect choice! This pizza combines savory flavors with a creamy ranch twist, making it the ultimate comfort food. With its crispy crust, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and rich ranch sauce, this dish brings all the best flavors together in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re making it for dinner or a weekend gathering, this pizza is sure to become a family favorite. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make it at home with a few simple ingredients and easy steps.

chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe

What Is Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza?

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is a variation of the traditional pizza that replaces classic marinara sauce with creamy ranch dressing. The pizza is topped with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a generous layer of cheese, often mozzarella and cheddar, making it a rich and satisfying dish. It’s a delicious twist that’s become popular for pizza lovers looking for something a little different.

The Origin of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

While there is no definitive origin story for this pizza, it’s likely that the combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing grew in popularity in the late 20th century, as ranch dressing itself became a staple in American cuisine. People started experimenting with it as a pizza topping, and the delicious combination of crispy bacon, grilled chicken, and creamy ranch dressing quickly took off. Today, Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza can be found on menus at many pizzerias and is also easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients.

The Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza combines the best of both worlds: the savory flavors of bacon and chicken and the creamy, tangy goodness of ranch dressing. This combination makes it incredibly satisfying and full of flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food, ideal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even as a late-night snack. Plus, it’s customizable – you can add your favorite toppings or use gluten-free ingredients if needed. The ease of preparation and the fact that it’s so delicious are key reasons why this recipe has become a fan favorite.

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Recipe

Making this delicious pizza doesn’t require complex ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the pizza base, toppings, and ranch sauce.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Pizza dough – 1 medium pizza dough (fits a 12-inch pan)
  • Cooked and chopped chicken breast – 2 cups (about 300g)
  • Cooked and crumbled bacon – 4 to 6 slices
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 ½ cups (150g)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese – ½ cup (50g)
  • Ranch sauce – ½ cup (125ml)
  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
  • Onion powder – ½ teaspoon

Optional Toppings for Extra Flavor

  • Chopped green onions – ¼ cup (for garnish)
  • Cherry tomatoes (halved) – ½ cup
  • Fresh spinach – ½ cup
  • Sliced jalapeño – 1 pepper (as desired)

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Recipe at Home

Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza at home is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pizza that rivals any restaurant-quality dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepping the Oven and Dough

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  • Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it reaches the desired thickness.
  • Place the dough on a baking sheet lightly greased with olive oil.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken and Bacon

  • Season the chopped chicken with garlic powder and onion powder, then cook it in a hot pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until fully cooked.
  • In a separate pan, fry the bacon slices until crispy, then chop them into small pieces.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

  • Spread ½ cup of ranch sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
  • Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
  • Evenly distribute the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon over the cheese.
  • Add any optional toppings like green onions, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, or sliced jalapeños as desired.

Step 4: Baking the Pizza

  • Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and the crust is crispy.

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying

  • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  • Slice and serve hot with extra ranch dressing on the side.

✨ Enjoy the most delicious homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza! 😋

Essential Information About This Recipe: Prep Time, Servings, Calories, and More Details

  • Servings: Makes 4 servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Course: Pizza
  • Cuisine: American
  • Calories: 450-500 kcal per serving

Nutritional Information per Serving (Approximate)

NutrientAmount (Per Serving)
Calories450-500 kcal
Protein30g
Fat25g
Saturated Fat10g
Carbohydrates35g
Fiber2g
Sugar2g
Sodium900-1000mg

Note: Nutritional values depend on the ingredients used and may vary based on the type of dough, ranch sauce, and cheese. 😊

Best Dough for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Choosing the right dough for your pizza is essential to creating the perfect crust.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Dough

You can choose either store-bought pizza dough or make your own. Store-bought dough is a great time-saver and still results in a delicious pizza. However, homemade dough can offer a fresh, airy texture and more control over ingredients.

How to Make a Crispy Pizza Crust?

To make a crispy pizza crust:

  • Use a pizza stone: This helps evenly distribute heat.
  • Preheat the oven: Always ensure the oven is fully heated before placing your pizza inside.
  • Roll the dough thin: A thinner dough will crisp up more easily.

Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Pizza

The chicken is the star of the show in this pizza, so it’s essential to choose the right kind.

Grilled vs. Shredded vs. Rotisserie Chicken

  • Grilled Chicken: This option is great if you want to add smoky flavors to your pizza.
  • Shredded Chicken: Shredding the chicken allows for even distribution across the pizza.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: A quick and easy option, rotisserie chicken offers a tender, juicy chicken that’s already cooked.

How to Season the Chicken for Best Flavor

Season your chicken with simple spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, marinate it in ranch dressing before cooking, or add a bit of paprika for a smoky kick.

The Role of Bacon in This Recipe

Bacon adds a delicious crunch and smoky flavor to the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza.

Best Type of Bacon to Use

Choose thick-cut bacon for the best texture. It holds up better when crumbled and gives you that satisfying crunch with each bite.

How to Get Crispy and Flavorful Bacon

Fry your bacon on medium heat until it’s crispy and golden. Drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease before crumbling it for the pizza.

The Secret to Creamy Ranch Sauce

Ranch dressing is what makes this pizza stand out from the rest.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Ranch Sauce

You can use store-bought ranch dressing, but making it at home allows you to control the flavor and ingredients. Homemade ranch is typically richer and creamier.

How to Make the Best Ranch Dressing at Home

To make ranch dressing, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, fresh herbs (like parsley), and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Best Cheese Choices for This Pizza

Choosing the right cheeses is crucial to achieving that perfect melt and flavor.

Mozzarella, Cheddar, or a Cheese Blend?

Mozzarella is essential for the gooey, melty texture, while cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the ranch sauce. A blend of both works perfectly for this pizza.

How to Get That Perfect Cheese Melt

For the perfect melt, bake the pizza at a high temperature (475°F). You can also broil it for the last 1-2 minutes to get the cheese golden and bubbly.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Pizza

To get your pizza just right, here are a few tips:

Best Oven Temperature for Crispy Crust

Bake the pizza at 475°F (245°C). This high temperature will ensure the crust gets crispy while the cheese melts perfectly.

How to Avoid a Soggy Pizza?

  • Don’t overload the pizza with sauce.
  • Ensure the dough is properly cooked before adding toppings.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza with these delicious sides:

Best Sides to Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

  • Garlic Bread: The perfect accompaniment to any pizza.
  • Caesar Salad: A crisp salad adds a refreshing balance to the richness of the pizza.

What Drinks Pair Well with This Pizza?

  • Iced Tea: A classic refreshing drink to cut through the richness.
  • Beer: A light lager or pale ale complements the smoky bacon and creamy ranch.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Pizza

Don’t let your leftovers go to waste! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

How to Store Pizza for Maximum Freshness

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Best Ways to Reheat Without Drying Out

Reheat pizza in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to keep it crispy. Alternatively, use a skillet to reheat on the stove.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Recipe

Can I Make This Pizza Without Bacon?

Yes, you can make a chicken ranch pizza without bacon for a leaner version. You can substitute bacon with more chicken or add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

What’s the Best Gluten-Free Alternative?

Use gluten-free pizza dough if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Make sure your ranch dressing is also gluten-free.

Conclusion: Why the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Recipe is a Must-Try

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is an easy and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its perfect combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheese, it’s no wonder this pizza is a favorite among so many. Follow this guide to create your own masterpiece, and enjoy the ultimate pizza experience!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *