Name: Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast); 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 cup warm water (110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts); 6 slices bacon; ½ cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ red onion (thinly sliced (optional)); A handful of fresh cilantro (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing); Black pepper to taste; Crushed red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup buttermilk; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried dill; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It combines endless variations, delightful toppings, and a comforting crust. One of the most satisfying and indulgent pizzas you can make at home is a Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza. This pizza is packed with crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and a perfect blend of cheeses that come together for an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this pizza will not disappoint.

In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the entire process of making Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, from preparing the dough and cooking the toppings to assembling and baking it to perfection. I’ll also provide helpful tips, tricks, and suggestions for variations, so you can personalize this pizza to suit your preferences. So, let’s dive into making a pizza that is sure to become your new favorite!

Ingredients for Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

To create a mouth-watering Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups
Active dry yeast – 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons)
Sugar – 1 tablespoon (helps activate the yeast)

Warm water – 1 cup (110°F)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for richness and flavor)
Salt – 1 teaspoon

Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon (optional, for a subtle garlic flavor)

For the Toppings:

Chicken breast – 2 boneless, skinless (about 1 pound)
Bacon – 6 slices (cooked and crumbled)

Ranch dressing – ½ cup (use homemade or store-bought)
Shredded mozzarella cheese – 2 cups
Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup (adds a nice sharpness)

Red onion – ½, thinly sliced (optional, for a mild sweetness)
Fresh cilantro – A handful (optional, for garnish)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for brushing the crust)

Black pepper – To taste
Crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, for a spicy kick

For the Optional Homemade Ranch Dressing (if not using store-bought):

Mayonnaise – ½ cup

Sour cream – ¼ cup
Buttermilk – ¼ cup
Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon

Onion powder – ½ teaspoon
Dried dill – ½ teaspoon
Salt – ¼ teaspoon

Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (for a hint of tanginess)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

The first step in making Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is preparing the dough. Making your own dough at home is much easier than you might think, and it’s incredibly rewarding when you bake it fresh.

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm water (110°F) and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to ensure your dough rises properly.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder (optional), and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture, followed by the olive oil. Stir with a spoon until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5–7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time.

Let the Dough Rise: Once the dough is kneaded, form it into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Bacon

While the dough is rising, you can prepare the chicken and bacon toppings.

Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden on the outside. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet (or in the oven if you prefer), cook the bacon until crispy. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the skillet and let it cool before crumbling it into small pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Ranch Dressing (Optional)

If you want to make your own homemade ranch dressing, follow these easy steps:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Taste the ranch dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preferences.
Set the ranch dressing aside for later use.

If you’re using store-bought ranch dressing, simply measure out ½ cup and set it aside.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature is key to getting that crispy crust you want for your Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Using a rolling pin or your hands, stretch and flatten the dough to your desired size and thickness. If you want a thin crust, roll it out thinly; for a thicker, chewier crust, leave it slightly thicker.

Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone, and if you like, brush the edges with a bit of olive oil for a golden finish.

Step 6: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the Ranch Dressing: Use a spoon to spread a generous layer of ranch dressing over the dough. Leave about an inch around the edges for the crust.
Add the Chicken and Bacon: Evenly distribute the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon over the ranch sauce.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and bacon, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

If you like onions, sprinkle thin slices of red onion over the pizza for a touch of sweetness and crunch.

Step 7: Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on it toward the end to ensure the crust doesn’t burn.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once your Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is out of the oven, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a drizzle of ranch dressing on top for extra creaminess.

Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This pizza is best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the oven, but you can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, crispy bacon, and high-quality cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of your pizza. You can even make your own mozzarella cheese for the ultimate homemade touch.
Don’t Overload the Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, a few well-chosen ingredients are all you need for a balanced pizza. Overloading it can lead to a soggy crust.

Get Creative with the Toppings: While chicken and bacon are the stars of this pizza, feel free to experiment with other toppings. You could add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños for a bit of heat.
Use a Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it! It helps to achieve an extra crispy crust, giving you that authentic pizzeria experience.
Make a Double Batch of Dough: If you have the time, make a double batch of dough and freeze one for later. Homemade pizza dough freezes well and can be used whenever you’re in the mood for pizza.

Variations of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

While Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is already a delicious classic, there are plenty of ways you can switch things up to create your own version:

BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: Replace the ranch dressing with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy, smoky twist.
Buffalo Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: Swap out the ranch dressing for buffalo sauce and add some blue cheese crumbles for a spicy, tangy flavor combo.

Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken and bacon before adding them to the pizza.
Vegetarian Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: Replace the chicken with a meat alternative (like tempeh or tofu) and use plant-based bacon for a vegetarian version of this pizza.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a side dish to round out your meal. Consider serving it with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some crispy sweet potato fries. For drinks, an ice-cold craft beer or a chilled glass of white wine would complement the pizza perfectly.

Conclusion

Making Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza from scratch is an incredibly rewarding experience. With its crispy crust, creamy ranch sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, this pizza is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this pizza is bound to impress. Happy cooking and enjoy the deliciousness that is Homemade Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza!