This chicken bacon ranch pizza recreates the restaurant favorite at home! Use leftover cooked chicken and your favorite ranch dressing to make dinner a snap.
Surprisingly it’s something that we have yet to get tired of. However, considering just how many different ways there are to top a pizza, it makes sense!.
We definitely have weeks where we stick with classic pepperoni and cheese, but we love to mix it up as well.
If you feel stuck in a pizza rut, a great way to change up your toppings is to just take a peek in the refrigerator.
We always have bits and bobs left over from meals. It’s never quite enough to make a full dish out of, but definitely enough for topping a pizza!.
This easy chicken ranch pizza uses up leftover chicken, cooked bacon, and the ranch dressing you (probably) already have in the fridge door.
It’s inspired by our favorite takeout pizza and love for ranch on pizza. You’ll love how easy it is to make!.
Ever bite into a delicious chicken bacon ranch pizza and wonder what magical sauce creates that distinctive tangy flavor? I’ve been there too! As a pizza enthusiast who’s made countless homemade pies, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about the sauce that makes chicken bacon ranch pizza so irresistible.
The Star of the Show: Ranch Dressing as the Base Sauce
Let’s cut right to the chase – ranch dressing is the primary sauce used on chicken bacon ranch pizza. Unlike traditional pizzas that use tomato sauce, this pizza variety is considered a “white pizza” because it substitutes that familiar red sauce with creamy, herb-infused ranch dressing.
Ranch dressing provides the perfect creamy base that complements the smoky bacon and tender chicken pieces. It brings a tangy herb-filled flavor profile that’s distinctly different from your typical pizza sauce.
Why Ranch Dressing Works So Well
Ranch dressing isn’t just randomly chosen for this pizza – there’s a method to the madness! Here’s why it works so wonderfully
- The buttermilk base in ranch provides a creamy texture and slight tanginess
- Ranch contains a blend of herbs and spices that add complexity
- The dressing’s creaminess helps bind all toppings together
- It pairs perfectly with chicken and bacon (a classic flavor combo)
- The tanginess cuts through the richness of the cheese and meats
As Countryside Cravings points out, you can use “whatever brand your family likes best” or even try making homemade buttermilk ranch for an extra special touch.
How to Apply Ranch Dressing to Your Pizza
When making chicken bacon ranch pizza at home, the application technique matters! Here’s how to do it right:
- Spread thinly – Using the back of a spoon, spread a thin layer of ranch across your pizza dough
- Leave a margin – Keep about a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust
- Cover it well – Make sure to cover the ranch with toppings as it can burn quickly in the oven
- Add more after baking – Many recipes suggest an additional drizzle of ranch on top after baking
Baking A Moment recommends: “I like to start with a thin layer of ranch. Use the back of the spoon to spread it all over, leaving about a 1-inch margin around the edges.”
Ranch Variations to Try
There are different kinds of ranch dressing that you can use to make your pizza taste the way you want it to:
| Ranch Type | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Ranch | Balanced herbs & tanginess | Traditional toppings |
| Spicy Ranch | Added heat from peppers | Extra chicken, less bacon |
| Garlic Ranch | Extra garlic punch | More cheese, garlic crust |
| Homemade Buttermilk Ranch | Fresher, more complex | Premium toppings |
Beyond the Base: Additional Sauces for Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
While ranch dressing forms the base, many recipes incorporate additional sauces to enhance the flavor profile:
Extra Ranch Drizzle
Almost universally, recipes suggest adding an extra drizzle of ranch dressing AFTER the pizza is baked. This adds:
- Fresh ranch flavor that hasn’t been altered by baking
- Additional creaminess
- A pretty finishing touch
According to Baking A Moment, you can “drizzle another good squirt of ranch on top, and garnish with fresh sliced scallions” for added freshness and flavor.
Other Complementary Sauces
Some variations of chicken bacon ranch pizza incorporate:
- A thin layer of garlic butter beneath the ranch
- A drizzle of hot sauce for heat lovers
- A light brushing of olive oil on the crust
- A sprinkle of balsamic glaze as a sophisticated finishing touch
Common Questions About Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Sauce
Is there any tomato sauce on chicken bacon ranch pizza?
Not at all! Real chicken bacon ranch pizza doesn’t have any tomato sauce on it. It’s called a “white pizza” because the tomato base is replaced with ranch dressing. Baking A Moment says, “This is a recipe for a white pizza, so there is no tomato sauce. Just ranch dressing and mozzarella cheese.” “.
Can I mix ranch with other sauces?
Yes, you can! Some people might only eat ranch, but I’ve tried adding some buffalo sauce to the ranch for a spicy kick. You could also try a ranch-alfredo blend for extra richness.
How much ranch dressing should I use?
About 1/4 to 2/3 cup of ranch dressing is a good amount for a standard 12 to 14-inch pizza. Baking A Moment says to use “1/4 cup (60g) ranch dressing, plus extra for garnish,” while Countryside Cravings says to use “⅔ cup (155ml) ranch dressing.” “.
Does the ranch dressing cook well in the oven?
Ranch dressing can burn if exposed directly to high heat. That’s why it’s important to cover it well with cheese and toppings. As Baking A Moment notes, “Ranch dressing burns really quickly in the oven, so make sure you cover it well with toppings to protect it.”
Make Your Own Ranch Dressing for Pizza
Wanna take your chicken bacon ranch pizza to the next level? Try making your own ranch dressing! Here’s a simple recipe:
Homemade Ranch Dressing for Pizza:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using on your pizza. The flavors will deepen and marry together beautifully!
The Complete Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Experience
While we’re focusing on the sauce here, let’s quickly round out our understanding of what makes a perfect chicken bacon ranch pizza:
- Dough: A chewy, garlic-infused crust works best
- Sauce: Ranch dressing as the base
- Cheese: Mozzarella is standard, but some recipes suggest mixing in Monterey Jack or pepper jack
- Chicken: Rotisserie, leftover, or freshly cooked chicken pieces
- Bacon: Slightly undercooked before adding to the pizza so it doesn’t burn
- Additional toppings: Often includes green onions/scallions as a garnish
My Personal Take on Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Sauce
I’ve made this pizza dozens of times, and I’ve found that the quality of ranch you use REALLY matters. Skip the cheap stuff and get a high-quality ranch dressing – it makes all the difference! Or better yet, make your own.
My secret trick? I mix a tiny bit of cream cheese into my ranch before spreading it on the pizza. This thickens it slightly and helps it stand up better to the heat of the oven without separating. It’s a small tweak that makes a big difference!
Final Thoughts
The humble ranch dressing is what transforms a regular pizza into the flavor sensation known as chicken bacon ranch pizza. Its creamy, tangy flavor provides the perfect backdrop for the smoky bacon, tender chicken, and melty cheese.
Whether you’re using store-bought ranch or making your own, this unique pizza style shows how breaking away from traditional tomato sauce can lead to some truly delicious creations. So next time you’re craving something different, grab that bottle of ranch and create your own chicken bacon ranch masterpiece!
Have you tried making chicken bacon ranch pizza at home? What’s your favorite ranch dressing to use? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your pizza adventures!
Ingredients for chicken bacon ranch pizza
The ingredients for this pizza are just as simple as it sounds!
Chicken – Be sure to use already cooked chicken, not raw chicken. Pizza is a great way to use up leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.
Make sure you use a mix of white and dark meat for the best flavor. Chop or shred the chicken into small pieces so it can evenly top the pizza.
Bacon – Whenever I bake bacon, I cook up some extra to add to dishes like bacon spinach quiche, salads, or pizza.
Any variety of bacon will work here. Cook it crisp and then chop into small pieces once cooled.
Ranch dressing – Ranch is an absolute classic American flavor, and we love it with pizza. It makes a great base in place of marinara sauce.
You can use homemade ranch dressing, or your favorite bottle dressing.
Mozzarella – What’s a pizza without plenty of cheese? Use low-moisture mozzarella for this recipe rather than fresh mozzarella balls.
Pizza dough – I’ve been making pizza dough at home for years, but store bought pizza dough is great too! If it is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely ahead of time.
If you’re using pre-baked packaged crusts, you might need to reduce the baking time of your pizza.
How to make this chicken pizza recipe
Because this pizza uses already prepared ingredients, putting it together is a snap.
Preheat oven to 450°F. If you are using a pizza stone, make sure to put it in the oven immediately, so it can heat up with the oven.
Roll out your pizza dough or press it into a pizza pan or rimmed baking sheet. I slowly press the dough out from the middle with my fingers, then I press the edges with my knuckles to make a small rim.
Pizza stone users: place your rolled crust onto a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel. The cornmeal prevents sticking so you can easily slide your pizza onto the stone.
Spread ranch dressing evenly on the pizza crust, leaving ½ to 1 inch all around the edge.
Scatter on mozzarella cheese. You can add all the cheese now, or do half now and the rest after the other toppings.
Add the chicken and crumbled bacon pieces, making sure they evenly cover the pizza.
Once the oven is heated, place the pizza in the oven on the bottom rack. This helps ensure the bottom of the crust is cooked.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
Let cool briefly before slicing and serving.
Pizza is so great to make because it’s endlessly customizable. Try some of these options with your family.
Use leftover turkey instead of chicken, especially after the holidays! Smoked turkey is especially great here.
Add onions like thinly sliced or chopped red onions. For a sweeter taste, add caramelized onions! Or, garnish with chopped green onions (scallions).
Use BBQ sauce as the base, like in my BBQ pulled pork pizza, to make this a BBQ chicken pizza.
Add pickled jalapeños before or after baking the pizza for tangy heat.
Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or parmesan along with the mozzarella. Smoked cheddar is particularly good!.
Add other veggies like red bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives.
Top it off with sriracha or hot honey to take this pizza to the next level.
