Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: Prepare to ditch the delivery apps because you’re about to discover a homemade pizza that’s unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy to make! Forget everything you thought you knew about pizza night – this isn’t your average slice. We’re talking about a flavor explosion that combines the smoky goodness of bacon, the savory delight of chicken, and the creamy tang of ranch dressing, all baked to golden perfection on a crispy crust.

While pizza’s origins trace back to ancient flatbreads, the modern pizza we know and love truly blossomed in Naples, Italy. However, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is a distinctly American creation, a testament to our love of bold flavors and creative culinary combinations. It’s a relatively recent addition to the pizza family, but its popularity has soared, quickly becoming a favorite in pizzerias and home kitchens alike.

What makes this particular pizza so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crispy crust gives way to a creamy, flavorful topping that’s both comforting and exciting. People love the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza because it’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, game nights, or a casual get-together with friends. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it with your favorite cheeses, vegetables, and even different types of ranch dressing to create your own signature version. So, let’s get started and create a pizza masterpiece that will have everyone begging for more!

Ingredients:

• For the Pizza Dough:
• 3 1/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (105-115°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
• For the Ranch Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Pizza Toppings:
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Pizza Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl with the flour. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the dough tough.
5. First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. The warmer the environment, the faster the dough will rise.
6. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air.

Preparing the Ranch Dressing:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
2. Add Seasonings: Add the dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
4. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it chills, the better the flavor will be. This step can be done well in advance.

Preparing the Chicken and Bacon:

1. Cook the Chicken: There are several ways to cook the chicken. You can bake it, grill it, or poach it. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. For grilling, grill the chicken breasts over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. For poaching, place the chicken breasts in a pot of boiling water and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred it with two forks.
3. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Alternatively, you can bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Crumble the Bacon: Once the bacon is cooked, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help the pizza crust to cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle or your desired shape. You can also stretch the dough by hand if you prefer.
3. Transfer the Dough: Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour, or directly onto a baking sheet.
4. Add the Ranch Dressing: Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the ranch dressing.
6. Add the Chicken and Bacon: Distribute the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese.
7. Add the Red Onion: Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the pizza.
8. Bake the Pizza: If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza from the pizza peel onto the hot stone. If using a baking sheet, place the baking sheet with the pizza in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Dough Variations: You can use store-bought pizza dough to save time. Whole wheat pizza dough is also a great option for a healthier pizza.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese would all be delicious on this pizza.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables to the pizza, such as diced tomatoes, green peppers, or mushrooms.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch dressing or sprinkle them over the pizza for a little heat.
• BBQ Chicken Ranch Pizza: For a BBQ chicken ranch pizza variation, use BBQ sauce instead of ranch dressing and add some grilled corn to the toppings.
• Make it a Flatbread: Use naan bread or pita bread as a base for a quick and easy flatbread version.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare the chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This will make assembling the pizza even faster.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the baked pizza for up to 2 months. Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, bake the frozen pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as extra ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.
• Enjoy with a cold beverage, such as beer, soda, or iced tea.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza isn’t just another pizza recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen! From the creamy, tangy ranch base to the savory chicken and crispy bacon, every bite is a delightful experience. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a game night, having a family dinner, or simply craving a delicious homemade pizza. I know what you’re thinking: “Another pizza recipe? What makes this one so special?” Well, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ranch dressing provides a creamy, cool counterpoint to the salty bacon and savory chicken. The melted cheese brings everything together in a gooey, satisfying way. And the best part? It’s incredibly customizable! Looking for serving suggestions? This pizza pairs perfectly with a crisp garden salad and a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some garlic bread or a bowl of creamy tomato soup. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some variations? Here are a few ideas to get you started: * Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch dressing or sprinkle some jalapeños on top of the pizza before baking. * Go vegetarian: Substitute the chicken and bacon with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. * Add some greens: Top the pizza with fresh spinach or arugula after baking for a burst of freshness. * Different cheese: Try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer, more complex flavor. * Crust variations: Use a pre-made thin crust for a crispy pizza, or try making your own homemade dough for a truly authentic experience. You can even use a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option! But honestly, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own signature Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza masterpiece. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves pizza. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s also a great way to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make the best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza you’ve ever tasted! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor combination? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy pizza making! Print