If you’re looking for a pizza that’s bold, satisfying, and packed with flavor, BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza delivers on every front. It’s a fusion of smoky, creamy, and cheesy goodness that takes your classic pizza night to a whole new level. This recipe combines juicy BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing on a perfectly baked crust. It’s indulgent yet balanced, with every bite offering a burst of tangy sweetness and savory richness.
When I first made this pizza at home, I used leftover grilled chicken and my favorite hickory BBQ sauce—it turned out even better than takeout! The ranch drizzle adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the smoky bacon and BBQ sauce, making it impossible to stop at one slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pizza is the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and creamy flavors that everyone loves. It’s quick to make and ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. Using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought pizza dough cuts down on prep time, while the combination of crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and melted cheese makes it irresistibly rich. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or sauces for your perfect version.
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BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza – The Ultimate Flavor Explosion
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (3–4 servings)
- Diet: Halal
Description
BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is a smoky, cheesy, and savory pizza topped with juicy barbecue chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted mozzarella. A crowd-pleasing comfort food that blends tangy BBQ flavor with creamy ranch goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Flour, for dusting
- Olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Spread ranch dressing over the pizza dough as the base sauce.
- Top with the BBQ chicken, crumbled bacon, red onion, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese.
- Brush the crust edges lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Drizzle with extra ranch or BBQ sauce if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone.
- Try adding sliced jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use gluten-free dough if desired for dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough – Fresh or pre-made dough works perfectly. It forms the crispy, chewy base that holds all the toppings.
Cooked chicken breast – Shredded or diced chicken provides the main protein. Using grilled or rotisserie chicken gives it extra flavor.
BBQ sauce – Smoky and sweet, this sauce replaces traditional tomato pizza sauce, infusing every bite with rich depth.
Ranch dressing – Adds creaminess and tang, balancing the bold BBQ flavors. You can drizzle it before or after baking.
Bacon – Crispy bacon crumbles add a salty, smoky crunch that complements the sweet BBQ chicken perfectly.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, creating that gooey, stretchy layer every great pizza needs.
Cheddar cheese – Adds sharpness and depth, enhancing the BBQ flavor.
Red onion – Thinly sliced onion adds a touch of sweetness and crunch that elevates the flavor profile.
Green onions – Freshly chopped for garnish, they bring color and a mild oniony freshness.
Olive oil – Brushed on the crust for a golden, crisp finish during baking.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and prepare your pizza dough on a floured surface. Roll it out to your desired thickness and place it on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Lightly brush the crust with olive oil for that golden, crisp texture.
Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the base, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly scatter the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon across the pizza. Add thin slices of red onion, then top with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, drizzle ranch dressing over the top and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Slice and serve immediately while it’s hot and cheesy.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 large pizza (serves 3–4 people).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving for best texture. You can also freeze unbaked pizza (without ranch) for up to 2 months—just bake directly from frozen.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy BBQ Twist
Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Veggie Lover’s Version
Top with mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn for extra texture and color.
Ranch Base Swap
Use ranch dressing as the sauce instead of BBQ for a creamier flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Fusion
Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and keep the ranch drizzle—it’s a flavor bomb.
Sweet and Smoky Blend
Use a mix of honey BBQ sauce and smoky paprika for layered sweetness.
Extra Cheesy
Add provolone or Monterey Jack for a richer, cheesier pizza.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pizza dough or flatbread for a celiac-friendly meal.
Pulled Pork Alternative
Substitute chicken with pulled pork for a southern-style BBQ pizza.
Crispy Thin Crust
Roll the dough thinner and bake directly on a hot pizza stone for a crispier bite.
Grilled Pizza Method
Cook the pizza on a grill for a smoky charred flavor that enhances the BBQ taste.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza crust?
Yes, it works great and saves time. Just follow the baking instructions on the package.
What type of BBQ sauce is best?
A smoky or honey BBQ sauce complements the bacon and ranch best.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork?
Absolutely, it’s a lighter alternative that still adds crisp flavor.
How do I make this pizza less heavy?
Use a thinner crust, less cheese, and drizzle the ranch lightly.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prep the toppings and dough in advance, then assemble right before baking.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Omit the chicken and bacon, and use grilled veggies with BBQ sauce and ranch.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, gouda, provolone, or even pepper jack adds great flavor variety.
Can I grill this pizza?
Definitely—grilled pizza adds amazing smoky char. Just keep the heat medium-high.
What goes well with this pizza?
A green salad or coleslaw complements the richness perfectly.
Can I freeze leftover pizza?
Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza is a flavor-packed twist on traditional pizza that brings together smoky BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheese in every irresistible bite. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether for pizza night, game day, or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that make it unforgettable. Once you try it, it’ll become a permanent favorite in your pizza rotation.
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