Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Recipe

Craving the perfect combination of savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza recipe brings together three beloved ingredients in one irresistible slice. The creamy ranch base, tender seasoned chicken, and crispy bacon create a flavor explosion that’s become a favorite at pizzerias nationwide.

Now you can recreate this restaurant-quality pizza at home with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. Get ready to enjoy a homemade pizza that rivals any delivery option!

What is Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza?

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is a popular American-style pizza that uses ranch dressing as the sauce base instead of traditional tomato sauce. This white pizza features tender pieces of seasoned chicken, crispy bacon bits, and melted cheese, all sitting atop a creamy ranch foundation. The combination creates a rich, savory flavor profile that appeals to those who love the classic trio of chicken, bacon, and ranch.

This pizza style gained popularity in the 1990s and has since become a staple at many pizza chains and restaurants across the United States. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient complements the others perfectly.

Ingredients List for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

For the Pizza Base:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup ranch dressing (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 strips bacon
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For Chicken Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Cook Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making the perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza involves preparing your toppings first, then assembling and baking. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your pizza turns out absolutely delicious:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook the Bacon:

• While the chicken cooks, place bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
• Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces.

3. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

• If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
• On a floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a 12-14 inch circle.
• Transfer to a greased pizza stone or baking sheet.
• Brush the edges with the remaining olive oil for a golden crust.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

• Spread the ranch dressing evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
• Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ranch base.
• Distribute the diced chicken evenly across the pizza.
• Add the crumbled bacon pieces on top of the chicken.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the cheddar cheese.
• Add the thinly sliced red onions as the final topping layer.

5. Bake the Pizza:

• Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.
• The crust should be golden brown and the cheese completely melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.

6. Finish and Serve:

• Drizzle additional ranch dressing over the pizza if desired.
• Sprinkle fresh chives and parsley for color and fresh flavor.
• Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately while hot.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to customize your Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza? Here are some substitutions and variations I recommend:

• Pizza Dough: Use cauliflower crust for a low-carb option, or whole wheat dough for added fiber.
• Ranch Dressing: Try homemade ranch, Greek yogurt ranch, or even a garlic aioli for different flavor profiles.
• Chicken: Substitute with rotisserie chicken for convenience, or use grilled chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Bacon: Turkey bacon works well for a lighter option, or try pancetta for a more sophisticated flavor.
• Cheese: Experiment with provolone, gouda, or even a smoky cheese blend.
• Additional Toppings: Consider adding diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure perfect results:

• Using Too Much Ranch: Over-saucing can make the crust soggy. Use ranch as a thin, even layer.
• Undercooked Chicken: Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before dicing and adding to pizza.
• Soggy Crust: Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes if using fresh dough to prevent sogginess from wet toppings.
• Overloading Toppings: Too many toppings can prevent even cooking and make slices difficult to handle.
• Not Preheating: A properly preheated oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and properly melted cheese.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

This hearty pizza serves beautifully as a main course for lunch or dinner. I like to pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. Garlic breadsticks or roasted vegetables also make excellent sides.

For beverages, consider serving with cold beer, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon. The pizza is filling enough to satisfy most appetites, making it perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Make your homemade pizza look restaurant-quality with these presentation tips:

• Garnish Strategically: Fresh herbs not only add flavor but create beautiful color contrast against the golden cheese.
• Perfect Slicing: Use a sharp pizza wheel and cut clean, decisive lines for neat triangular slices.
• Serving Board: Present the whole pizza on a wooden cutting board or pizza stone for rustic appeal.
• Ranch Drizzle Pattern: Create an artistic drizzle pattern with additional ranch dressing using a squeeze bottle.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Recipe Tips

Here are my top tips for pizza perfection:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let cold ingredients come to room temperature for easier assembly and more even cooking.
• Pre-cook Protein: Always cook chicken and bacon completely before adding to prevent undercooked toppings.
• Cheese Placement: Put some cheese directly on the ranch base to help bind toppings and prevent sliding.
• Pizza Stone Magic: If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes for a crispier crust.
• Fresh Herbs Last: Add fresh herbs after baking to maintain their bright color and fresh flavor.

How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Proper storage keeps your leftover pizza fresh and safe to eat. Allow the pizza to cool completely before storing (within 2 hours of baking). Place slices in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to crisp the bottom, then cover to melt the cheese. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza ahead of time?
A: You can prep all toppings ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q: Can I freeze this pizza?
A: Yes! Wrap cooled, baked pizza slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza?
A: For crispy results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, then cover to melt the cheese. This method maintains the crust’s texture better than microwaving.

Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut. Just remove the skin, shred or dice the meat, and season lightly before adding to the pizza.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Use ranch dressing sparingly, pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes if needed, and ensure all toppings are not overly wet before assembly.

Q: Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free pizza dough. The cooking method remains the same.

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza brings together comfort food favorites in one delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, feeding the family, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers every time.

The key to success lies in properly preparing your toppings, not overloading the pizza, and achieving that perfect balance of creamy ranch, savory chicken, and crispy bacon. With these simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll have a restaurant-quality pizza that might just become your new go-to recipe.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different cheeses or adding your favorite vegetables. The beauty of homemade pizza is the ability to customize it exactly to your taste preferences. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza!