If you love pizza and want to try something different, this chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe is the perfect solution. Packed with delicious flavors of juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and the creamy goodness of ranch dressing, this pizza is guaranteed to become a favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, follow this guide to make your pizza night extra special. Therefore, let’s dive into how to create the ultimate chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
There are countless reasons why this chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe stands out. The combination of savory bacon, tender chicken, and rich ranch sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and irresistible. Here are a few reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your repertoire:
- Burst of Flavors: The saltiness of bacon, the tenderness of chicken, and the creaminess of ranch offer a delightful explosion of tastes.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, which makes this recipe budget-friendly and convenient.
- Family Favorite: This pizza is loved by both kids and adults, making it the perfect choice for a family meal or gathering.
For more inspiration on how to master pizza recipes, check out these helpful pizza-making tips from Bon Appétit. Additionally, you might want to learn more about creating perfect dough by visiting this comprehensive dough guide from King Arthur Baking.
Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
To make this incredible chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought or homemade dough. A good pizza starts with quality dough, so ensure it’s soft and pliable.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, cooked, and cubed or shredded.
- Bacon: Crispy cooked bacon, roughly chopped.
- Ranch Dressing: This serves as the base sauce, adding creaminess and flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella for that perfect gooey texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharpness that balances the flavors.
- Garlic Powder: For added depth and a hint of savoriness.
- Red Onion (optional): Sliced thinly to add a crunch and slight sweetness.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley to garnish the pizza.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza from Scratch
Making the chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe is easy and fun. Therefore, follow these steps to make the perfect homemade pizza:
1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. A hot pizza stone ensures a crispy crust.
- Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out your pizza dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your pan or preference. Aim for an even thickness.
2: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing or shredding.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon strips until they are crisp. Drain on a paper towel and roughly chop them.
3: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the Ranch Sauce: Place the rolled-out dough onto a pizza pan or preheated stone. Spread an even layer of ranch dressing over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the ranch sauce. Then, evenly distribute the cooked chicken and bacon pieces across the pizza. If desired, add thinly sliced red onions.
4: Bake and Garnish
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven. Therefore, let it cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for an added burst of color.
5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice and Serve: Use a pizza cutter to slice the pizza into wedges. Serve it hot and enjoy every bite of this creamy, savory goodness!
Tips for the Perfect
Creating the perfect pizza is all about the small details. Therefore, here are some expert tips to make your chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe even better:
- Use Fresh Dough: For best results, use dough that has had enough time to rise and rest. Fresh dough yields a light, crispy crust.
- Par-Bake the Crust: To prevent a soggy crust, consider par-baking the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Cheese Blend: Mozzarella is great for melting, but adding cheddar gives extra flavor. You can also use provolone for a unique twist.
- Season the Chicken: Properly seasoning the chicken adds depth to the overall flavor of the pizza.
For additional cooking tips and flavor pairings, check out this helpful guide from Serious Eats, which dives deep into how to pair flavors effectively.
Variations and Additions to the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Recipe
Feel free to customize this chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe to suit your taste. Here are a few variations and add-ons that you can experiment with:
- BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch: Mix some BBQ sauce into the ranch dressing for a sweet, tangy flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Additionally, add sliced jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes to give your pizza a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a boost of vegetables.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
To get the best results with this chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overloading with Toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy and prevent it from cooking evenly.
- Using Cold Dough: Make sure the dough is at room temperature before rolling it out. Cold dough is harder to work with and doesn’t rise properly in the oven.
- Skipping the Preheat: Always preheat your oven to ensure that the pizza cooks evenly and the crust turns out crispy.
Creative Serving Ideas
Elevate your pizza night by getting creative with how you serve this chicken bacon ranch pizza:
- Pizza Party Board: Cut the pizza into smaller squares and arrange it on a large serving board with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, and garlic butter. Additionally, add some veggie sticks and pickles to create a pizza party board that’s perfect for entertaining.
- Pizza and Salad Combo: Pair your chicken bacon ranch pizza with a fresh side salad. A crisp garden salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the pizza and balances the meal.
- Mini Personal Pizzas: Instead of making one large pizza, divide the dough into smaller portions and let everyone make their own personal-sized chicken bacon ranch pizza. This is a fun way to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Drinks to Pair with Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
Finding the right drink to pair with your chicken bacon ranch pizza can elevate the whole meal. Here are a few suggestions:
- Classic Lemonade: The bright citrusy flavor of lemonade cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon, offering a refreshing contrast.
- Iced Tea: A tall glass of iced tea, either sweetened or unsweetened, is another great choice. Its mild flavor makes it an easy pairing with the bold tastes of this pizza.
- Beer: For adults, a crisp lager or light ale pairs wonderfully with the creamy and smoky flavors of this pizza. It helps cleanse the palate and balances the saltiness of the bacon.
- Sparkling Water: If you want something light and fizzy, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime is a great non-alcoholic option.
Health Benefits
You may not consider pizza the healthiest option, but when made right, it can be nutritious and delicious.
- Protein-Rich: Thanks to the chicken and bacon, this pizza packs a lot of protein, which keeps you full longer.
- Healthy Fats: Bacon and cheese provide fats, which are important for hormone regulation and energy.
- Calcium: Cheese is a great source of calcium, essential for bone health.
However, like all treats, moderation is key. Therefore, for a healthier twist, use less cheese, add more veggies, and opt for a whole-wheat crust.
Fun Facts
Did you know these fun facts about pizza and the chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe?
- Ranch Dressing Origins: Ranch dressing was invented in the 1950s by a plumber named Steve Henson. It’s now the most popular salad dressing in the United States, and its versatility makes it a favorite pizza topping too!
- Pizza Popularity: Americans eat approximately 350 slices of pizza every second. The combination of flavors in chicken bacon ranch pizza is a perfect example of why pizza is so beloved.
- Chicken on Pizza: Adding chicken as a topping became popular in the 1980s as more people looked for ways to incorporate leaner protein options into their diets.
The Origins of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
Chicken bacon ranch pizza may sound like a modern invention, but it has an interesting story. Combining ranch dressing with pizza toppings started as a twist to classic pizzas that added a beloved American favorite—ranch. Ranch dressing, known for its creamy and herbaceous flavor, first gained popularity as a salad dressing. But its adaptability and perfect pairing with chicken and bacon made it a hit on pizzas in the 1990s. Therefore, now it’s a go-to comfort food, showcasing the creativity that led to some of the best pizza recipes we know today.
Perfect Sides to Serve with Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
While this chicken bacon ranch pizza is undoubtedly a complete meal in itself, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the whole experience. Therefore, here are some fantastic side dishes that complement the creamy, smoky flavors of this pizza:
- Garlic Knots: Homemade garlic knots are the perfect way to use up any extra dough. The garlic and herbs add a flavorful touch, making these a classic pizza side dish.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and tangy Caesar dressing bring a light and crunchy element to balance the richness of the pizza.
- Roasted Veggies: Oven-roasted broccoli or brussels sprouts make a tasty, nutritious pairing with this indulgent dish.
Adding a side or two makes the meal feel complete, and these accompaniments will be loved by both adults and children alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sauce is on Domino’s chicken bacon ranch pizza?
Domino’s chicken bacon ranch pizza features ranch dressing as the base sauce. This creamy ranch base gives the pizza its signature flavor, combining perfectly with the other savory toppings.
What comes on the chicken bacon ranch from Domino’s?
The chicken bacon ranch pizza from Domino’s includes grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and mozzarella cheese, all atop a ranch sauce base. Sometimes, it also features thinly sliced onions for added texture and flavor.
What is chicken bacon ranch made of?
Chicken bacon ranch is made of cooked chicken breast, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese. It’s a delicious combination that you can use in sandwiches, salads, and of course, pizza!
Can you use ranch dressing on pizza?
Yes, you can absolutely use ranch dressing on pizza! It acts as a creamy, flavorful base, especially in chicken bacon ranch pizza recipes. Therefore, the ranch adds a rich texture that pairs well with both the cheese and savory toppings.
Looking for More Flavor? Try Buffalo Chicken Pizza!
If you enjoyed making this chicken bacon ranch pizza recipe, you might also love trying out a buffalo chicken pizza. Buffalo chicken pizza features the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce paired with tender chicken and creamy cheese. It offers a spicy twist that complements the savory flavors of chicken and ranch. The combination of buffalo sauce and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering fusion that adds extra excitement to your pizza night.
Unlike the creamy and smoky notes of the chicken bacon ranch pizza, buffalo chicken pizza brings a punch of heat that’s balanced out by the creaminess of ranch or blue cheese dressing. The spicy buffalo sauce, typically made from hot sauce and melted butter, provides a vibrant kick that enhances the flavors of the chicken, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy bold, spicy food. Plus, the addition of vegetables like red onions or bell peppers can add some crunch and sweetness to balance the spice.
Stay tuned for a complete guide on how to make buffalo chicken pizza, which is perfect for those who like a little heat with their slice! We’ll also discuss how to adjust the spice levels to suit your tastes, so whether you prefer a subtle kick or a fiery bite, buffalo chicken pizza is sure to delight.
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