The Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza That Will Beat Any Takeout (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Perfect for a family of four – this pizza combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch for an unforgettable meal

Key Highlights:

• Creates a restaurant-quality pizza with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
• Takes just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Features a foolproof method for a perfectly crispy crust
• Includes make-ahead tips for busy weeknights

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Ever ordered a chicken bacon ranch pizza from your local pizzeria and wished you could recreate that magic at home? This recipe delivers all the flavors you crave, with a perfectly crispy crust, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 people

Equipment Needed

• Pizza stone or large baking sheet
• Rolling pin
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pizza cutter
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 pound store-bought pizza dough, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Extra ranch dressing for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before You Start (30-45 minutes before cooking)

1. Remove the pizza dough from your refrigerator and place it in a large bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes – this makes the dough easier to work with.
2. While waiting for the dough, prepare your workspace:

• Clear and clean a large counter space
• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Get out all equipment and ingredients
• Line your pizza stone or baking sheet with parchment paper
• Place your oven rack in the middle position
• Turn on your oven to 450°F (230°C) to preheat

1. Prepare your toppings:

• If using raw chicken: Cut into 1-inch pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains
• If using raw bacon: Cut into small pieces and cook in a skillet until crispy (about 8-10 minutes), then drain on paper towels
• Slice red onion into very thin rings
• Peel and mince garlic cloves (or use a garlic press)
• Shred cheeses if not using pre-shredded
• Measure out all other ingredients

Shaping the Dough (10 minutes)

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of flour on your clean counter or work surface. This prevents sticking – don’t be shy with the flour!
2. Place your room-temperature dough in the center of the floured surface.
3. Using your hands, gently press the dough into a rough circle shape:

• Start from the center and work your way out
• Leave a slightly thicker border for the crust
• If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again

1. Pick up your rolling pin and:

• Dust it with flour
• Start from the center of the dough
• Roll outward in all directions
• Aim for a 14-inch circle (measure with a ruler if needed)
• The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick

1. Transfer your dough:

• Carefully lift the dough by rolling it onto your rolling pin
• Unroll it onto your parchment-lined pizza stone or baking sheet
• Adjust the shape if needed
• If the dough tears, simply pinch it back together

Adding Toppings (10 minutes)

1. Start with the base:

• Brush the entire surface of the dough with 1 tablespoon olive oil using a pastry brush
• Use the back of a spoon to spread 1 cup of ranch dressing evenly over the dough
• Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges for the crust

1. Add the first cheese layer:

• Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the ranch
• This first layer of cheese helps prevent the crust from getting soggy

1. Add the main toppings in this order:

• Spread the diced chicken pieces evenly
• Sprinkle the crumbled bacon
• Distribute the red onion rings
• Scatter the minced garlic

1. Finish with:

• Remaining mozzarella cheese (1 cup)
• All of the cheddar cheese (1/2 cup)
• Dried parsley
• Black pepper

Baking Your Pizza (12-15 minutes)

1. Before putting in oven, check:

• Oven has preheated to 450°F
• Rack is in middle position
• All toppings are secure and evenly distributed

1. Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment) into the oven:

• Use two hands
• Move slowly and steadily
• If toppings shift, quickly adjust them

1. Set a timer for 12 minutes
2. Check your pizza at 12 minutes. Look for:

• Golden brown crust
• Melted, bubbly cheese
• Lightly browned cheese spots
• If needed, bake for 2-3 more minutes

Finishing and Serving (5 minutes)

1. Remove from oven:

• Use oven mitts
• Slide pizza onto a large cutting board
• Remove parchment paper carefully

1. Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes:

• This helps the cheese set
• Makes it easier to cut
• Prevents burning your mouth

1. Optional finishing touches:

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley
• Drizzle with extra ranch dressing
• Add red pepper flakes if desired

1. Cutting and serving:

• Use a sharp pizza cutter or large knife
• Cut into 8 equal slices
• Serve immediately while hot
• Provide extra ranch dressing on the side

Immediate Clean-up Tips

1. Turn off your oven
2. Let pizza stone or baking sheet cool completely before washing
3. Wipe up any flour from your counter
4. Wash all utensils and bowls
5. Store leftover ingredients properly

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: Soggy Crust

• Solution: Prebake crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings
• Prevention: Don’t overload with sauce or wet ingredients

Problem: Burning Cheese

• Solution: Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly
• Prevention: Place rack in middle of oven

Problem: Dough Sticking

• Solution: Use plenty of flour when rolling
• Prevention: Ensure dough is room temperature

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pizza dough
• Lighter Version: Use turkey bacon and light ranch dressing
• Spicy Variation: Add jalapeños and hot sauce
• BBQ Twist: Replace ranch with BBQ sauce
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days
• Freeze slices up to 1 month, wrapped individually

Reheating:

1. Oven Method (Best):

• Preheat to 375°F
• Heat 8-10 minutes on pizza stone

1. Skillet Method:

• Medium heat
• Cover and heat 3-4 minutes

Safety Notes & Tips

• Always check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F
• Never place cold dough on hot pizza stone
• Use oven mitts when handling hot baking surfaces
• Keep raw chicken separate from other ingredients
• Wash hands after handling raw meat

Pro Tips for Success

• Shred cheese fresh for best melting
• Pat chicken dry before adding to pizza
• Cook bacon until extra crispy
• Let dough come to room temperature completely
• Use parchment paper for easy transfer