Pizza lovers, rejoice! If you’re looking for a combination of bold flavors, creamy textures, and a satisfying crunch, chicken bacon ranch pizza is the perfect choice. This delightful dish is a twist on the classic pizza, loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing base that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance. The best part? It’s easy to make at home! Here’s how you can create this crowd-pleasing masterpiece step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the essentials:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup sliced red onion (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough
Start by making the dough. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. Next, add the olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead it for 5–8 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well—this will help create a crispy crust.
3. Prepare the Toppings
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Dice or shred the cooked chicken and set it aside. Slice any optional toppings, such as red onions, for added flavor.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined pizza pan or a preheated pizza stone.
5. Assemble the Pizza
Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ranch base. Add the diced chicken and crumbled bacon evenly across the pizza. Top with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy bite.
6. Bake the Pizza
Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Slice into wedges and serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
- Shortcut Alert: Use store-bought pizza dough or a pre-baked crust if you’re short on time.
- Make it Your Own: Add your favorite toppings like mushrooms, spinach, or jalapeños for a personalized twist.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Why This Pizza is a Winner
What makes chicken bacon ranch pizza so irresistible? The creamy ranch dressing acts as the perfect base, complementing the smoky bacon and juicy chicken. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses adds a rich, gooey layer of deliciousness, while the crispy crust provides the ideal foundation. Whether it’s a game day snack, a weekend dinner, or a fun family meal, this pizza is bound to become a favorite.
Now that you know how to make chicken bacon ranch pizza, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and give it a try. With its unbeatable flavors and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Bon appétit!
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Food and Cooking