Indulge in the irresistible flavors of chicken bacon ranch pizza, where crispy bacon meets tender chicken and creamy ranch dressing on a perfectly baked crust. This dish is not just a pizza; it’s a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is simple yet satisfying. Let’s dive into the culinary delights of this crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes for a total of 35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Per serving (1 slice): approximately 320 calories, 15g fat, 30g carbs, 18g protein. This is based on one slice of a 4-slice pizza.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out the pre-made pizza crust on a floured surface.
- Transfer the crust to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread ranch dressing evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ranch.
- Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the cheese.
- Add chopped bacon on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper over the pizza.
- Optional: Add cherry tomatoes and green onions for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to customize your pizza by substituting the chicken with turkey or using a gluten-free crust. You can also replace ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
This chicken bacon ranch pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or crispy potato wedges. For beverages, try serving it with a light beer or a refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This pizza is not recommended for freezing due to the creamy ranch dressing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings; it may not cook evenly.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust.
- Allow the pizza to cool slightly before slicing to prevent toppings from sliding off.
- Adjust cooking time based on your oven’s performance.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Let your cooked chicken cool before shredding for easier handling.
- Try adding jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley for garnish.
FAQs
Can I use a different dressing?
Yes, you can substitute ranch dressing with other creamy dressings like blue cheese or Caesar for varied flavors.
Is this pizza suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the pizza when ready to bake.
What type of crust works best?
A pre-made thin crust or homemade dough works best for a crispy texture. Adjust cooking time accordingly for thicker crusts.
Can I add vegetables to this pizza?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can add more flavor and nutrition.
How do I make this pizza spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños before baking for some heat!
Conclusion
Chicken bacon ranch pizza is a delightful dish that marries rich flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation and customizable options, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delightful pizza and make it your own with various toppings and sides!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup green onions sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out the pre-made pizza crust on a floured surface.
- Transfer the crust to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread ranch dressing evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ranch.
- Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the cheese.
- Add chopped bacon on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper over the pizza.
- Optional: Add cherry tomatoes and green onions for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
