Craving pizza but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza recipe is your answer! It's a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend gathering. Forget takeout – this homemade pizza is bursting with flavor and far healthier than your average delivery pie. It’s one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks can master, resulting in a truly satisfying and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with olive oil. If using store-bought dough, gently stretch or roll it out to your desired thickness and shape. If making your own dough, follow your preferred recipe. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan.
- Spread the Ranch: Evenly spread the ranch dressing over the pizza crust, leaving about a ½-inch border for the crust. This creates a flavorful base that complements the chicken and bacon beautifully.
- Layer the Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ranch dressing. Evenly distribute the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon across the cheese. If using, add the thinly sliced red onion.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and slice into your favorite shapes. Serve immediately and enjoy this quick dinner idea!
Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza:
- Pre-cooked is key: Using pre-cooked chicken and bacon significantly reduces prep time, making this recipe even faster.
- Don't overload: Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Stick to the suggested amounts for optimal results.
- Get creative with toppings: Feel free to experiment with other toppings such as jalapeños, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to create your perfect pizza.
- Homemade crust: While store-bought dough is convenient, making your own pizza dough adds a lovely homemade touch. Many easy recipes are readily available online.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
- Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pizza: Use buffalo-style chicken instead of plain cooked chicken for a tangy and flavorful twist.
- Veggie Chicken Ranch Pizza: Add your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a healthier option.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can easily make at home. It's a perfect blend of comfort food and healthy eating, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy!