How to Make an Irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza at Home

Hey there, pizza lovers! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for delicious homemade pizza recipes that go beyond the typical pepperoni and cheese Today, I’m super excited to share one of my absolute favorite pizza creations – the mouthwatering Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza! This pizza combines smokey bacon, tender chicken, melty cheese, and creamy ranch dressing on a perfectly chewy crust. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!

I first tried this combo a few years back and immediately fell in love There’s something about this combination that just works so incredibly well together The best part? It’s actually pretty easy to make at home!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Before diving into the recipe, let me tell you why this pizza deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation:

• It’s packed with protein from both chicken and bacon
• The creamy ranch sauce is a delicious alternative to traditional tomato sauce
• It’s customizable – you can add or subtract ingredients based on your preferences
• Kids absolutely love it (mine always come back for seconds!)
• Makes for great leftovers (some say it’s even better the next day!)
• It’s perfect for pizza night with family or friends

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather everything we need to make this delicious pizza

For the Base:

• 1 pound homemade pizza dough (or store-bought if you’re short on time)
• ⅔ cup ranch dressing (your favorite brand or homemade)

For the Toppings:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1½ cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 4-6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Optional additions: diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, mushrooms, jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Making this chicken bacon ranch pizza is easier than you might think.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

First things first, you’ll want to get everything ready:

1. If you’re making homemade dough, prepare it according to your recipe
2. Cook and chop your chicken (or shred a rotisserie chicken)
3. Cook and crumble your bacon
4. Shred your cheese (I highly recommend shredding it yourself rather than using pre-shredded)
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

1. Roll out your pizza dough to about a 13-15 inch circle (or whatever shape you prefer!)
2. Place it on a pizza pan or stone
3. If you like a crispier crust, you can pre-bake it for about 5 minutes

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Toppings

1. Spread ranch dressing evenly over the dough (this is your sauce!)
2. Sprinkle half of your shredded mozzarella cheese
3. Add your chopped chicken evenly across the pizza
4. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon
5. Add any additional toppings you want
6. Top with the remaining cheese

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned
2. Let it cool for a couple minutes before slicing (this is the hardest part – waiting!)

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

After making this pizza countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll help you achieve pizza perfection:

• The cheese matters: Please, PLEASE grate your own cheese! The pre-shredded stuff from the store is coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly.

• Don’t skimp on the ranch: The ranch dressing is the sauce base for this pizza, so use one you really love. If you’re feeling ambitious, try making homemade buttermilk ranch!

• Cook the chicken right: You want your chicken to be fully cooked but still moist. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but you can also cook chicken breasts with some ranch seasoning for extra flavor.

• Bacon preparation: Cook your bacon until it’s crispy but not burnt. It’ll continue to cook slightly in the oven.

• Experiment with cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, try mixing in some monterey jack or pepper jack for a flavor twist!

• Crust options: You can make this with thick or thin crust depending on your preference. If using homemade dough, you can adjust the thickness when rolling it out.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about homemade pizza is how easily you can customize it! Here are some tasty variations to try:

Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch

Add sliced jalapeños and swap some of the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a kick of heat!

Veggie Loaded Chicken Bacon Ranch

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, and tomatoes for extra color, flavor, and nutrition.

Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch

Mix some buffalo sauce into your ranch dressing for a tangy, spicy twist.

BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch

Replace half the ranch with BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor combo.

What to Serve with Your Pizza

While this pizza is definitely hearty enough to be a meal on its own, here are some great sides to round out your dinner:

• Simple Caesar salad
• Green salad with homemade buttermilk ranch
• Cheesy breadsticks
• Fresh fruit slices
• Garlic knots

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pizza dough can be made 1-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.

Can I freeze this pizza?
Yes! You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap well. If freezing after baking, cool completely, wrap slices individually, and freeze.

What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
You can make a quick version by mixing sour cream with ranch seasoning mix. In fact, some recipes specifically call for this combination!

Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! Ham, turkey, or even pepperoni would work well in this recipe.

The Story Behind My Love for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

I remember the first time I made this pizza for my family. We were tired of the same old pepperoni pizza for our weekly pizza night, and I wanted to try something different. I had some leftover chicken and bacon in the fridge, and a bottle of ranch dressing that needed using up.

The result? My kids literally fought over the last slice! Since then, it’s become a regular request in our house. There’s something so satisfying about creating a restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen.

Nutrition Information

For those who are counting calories or watching nutritional intake, here’s the approximate nutrition information per slice (assuming 8 slices per pizza):

• Calories: 364
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 17.5g
• Fat: 19.4g
• Sodium: 881mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients you use.

Let’s Make Pizza Night Special!

There’s something magical about homemade pizza that brings people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a special dinner, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is sure to impress.

I love how pizza night has become a tradition in our house where everyone gets involved in the kitchen. My kids love to help arrange the toppings, and there’s always laughter and conversation as we wait for our creation to bake.

The next time you’re craving pizza, skip the delivery and try making this chicken bacon ranch version instead. The combination of flavors is absolutely incredible, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something delicious with your own hands.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the best homemade pizzas you’ve ever tasted!

Happy cooking, friends!