What Sauce is on Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza?

Chicken bacon ranch pizza is a beloved favorite for many pizza lovers. Combining the savory flavors of chicken and bacon with the creamy richness of ranch dressing, this pizza offers a unique and delicious taste experience. But what exactly is the sauce that makes this pizza so special? In this guide, we’ll explore the sauce used on chicken bacon ranch pizza, how to make it at home, and much more. Let’s dive in!

The Basics of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

History and Origin

Chicken bacon ranch pizza may seem like a modern invention, but its roots go back to the 1990s. Originating in the United States, this pizza was created by combining the popular flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing. The combination quickly gained popularity and became a staple in many pizzerias across the country.

The concept of using ranch dressing as a pizza sauce was initially met with some skepticism. Traditionally, pizza sauces are tomato-based, but the creamy, tangy flavor of ranch dressing proved to be a hit. Over time, it has become a beloved alternative to the usual pizza flavors.

Popularity and Variations

Over the years, chicken bacon ranch pizza has evolved, with many variations emerging. Some versions include additional toppings like tomatoes, onions, or different types of cheese. Despite these variations, the core ingredients of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing remain consistent, making this pizza a favorite for those who love a mix of savory and creamy flavors.

One popular variation is the BBQ chicken bacon ranch pizza, which adds a drizzle of barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Another variation includes the use of spicy ranch dressing or the addition of jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Regardless of the specific ingredients, the combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing continues to be a winning formula.

Ingredients of Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Key Ingredients

Chicken bacon ranch pizza is all about the perfect blend of flavors. Here are the key ingredients that make this pizza so delicious:

Chicken: Typically grilled or roasted, the chicken adds a savory and slightly smoky flavor. You can use leftover grilled chicken or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Bacon: Crispy bacon pieces add a rich, salty crunch that complements the chicken. Cooking the bacon until it’s just crispy enough ensures it retains its texture after baking.
Ranch Dressing: Used as the base sauce, ranch dressing provides a creamy and tangy flavor that ties everything together. The herbs in the ranch dressing also add an aromatic element to the pizza.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the most common choice, but some recipes also use cheddar or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor. The cheese melts beautifully and creates that gooey, stretchy texture that pizza lovers adore.

Optional Toppings

While the basic ingredients are enough to make a delicious chicken bacon ranch pizza, adding extra toppings can enhance the flavor:

Tomatoes: Fresh or sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity. Fresh tomatoes can be sliced thinly and added on top, while sun-dried tomatoes provide a more intense flavor.
Onions: Sliced red onions or caramelized onions add a mild, sweet flavor. Caramelizing the onions beforehand can add a rich, sweet note to the pizza.
Bell Peppers: These add a slight crunch and a bit of sweetness. Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a colorful presentation.
Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves add a bit of color and a slight earthy flavor. Add the spinach just before baking to retain its vibrant green color and nutrients.

The Sauce on Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

Ranch Dressing as the Base

The star of the show is the ranch dressing, used as the base sauce for the pizza. Ranch dressing is known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, which pairs perfectly with the savory toppings. Made from a blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise, and various herbs and spices, ranch dressing provides a rich and flavorful foundation for the pizza.

Ranch dressing’s creamy consistency helps it spread evenly over the pizza dough, ensuring every bite is flavorful. The tanginess from the buttermilk and the blend of herbs like dill, chives, and parsley add layers of flavor that complement the toppings perfectly.

Discover Which Sauce to Use on Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza at home.

Making the Perfect Ranch Sauce

If you want to make ranch dressing at home, here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions of the Sauce that is on Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza:

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream until smooth.
Add the minced garlic, dill, chives, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To allow the flavors to blend, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using.

Making your own ranch dressing ensures you can adjust the flavors to your liking. You can add more herbs for a stronger herbal note or extra lemon juice for additional tanginess.

Alternative Sauces

While ranch dressing is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other sauces for a different twist:

Garlic Alfredo Sauce: A creamy, garlicky sauce that adds a rich flavor. Made from butter, heavy cream, and garlic, this sauce is a decadent alternative.
BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor that complements the chicken and bacon. Use a tangy, thick BBQ sauce for the best results.
Pesto: A fresh and herbaceous sauce made from basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pesto adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, nutty flavor to the pizza.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza at Home

Step-by-Step Recipe

Making chicken bacon ranch pizza at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious pizza from scratch.

Ingredients:

Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings: tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, spinach

Instructions :

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). For achieving a crispy crust, maintaining a hot oven is crucial.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Pre-baking the dough for 5-7 minutes can help achieve a crispier crust.
Add the Sauce: Spread a generous layer of ranch dressing over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce evenly.
Add the Toppings: Evenly distribute the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon over the sauce. Add any optional toppings you like. Make sure the toppings are spread out to ensure every bite has a bit of everything.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the toppings. You can add a bit of cheddar cheese for extra flavor if desired.
Bake the Pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Monitor the pizza carefully to avoid it getting burnt.
Cool and Serve: Let the pizza sit for a few minutes to cool before cutting and serving it.
This helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.

Tips for Perfecting the Pizza

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the flavor of your pizza. Opt for fresh herbs, quality cheese, and fresh vegetables.
Don’t Overload the Pizza: Adding too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. For optimal results, use only a few essential ingredients.
. If you want to add a lot of toppings, consider making two pizzas.
Pre-Cook the Chicken and Bacon: Make sure your chicken and bacon are fully cooked before adding them to the pizza to ensure they are safe to eat and have the best texture. Using leftover cooked chicken and bacon can save time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Sauce: While the ranch dressing is delicious, using too much can make the pizza soggy. Use just enough to cover the dough in a thin layer.
Not Preheating the Oven: A hot oven is crucial for a crispy crust. To confirm that it’s at the correct temperature, use an oven thermometer and ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking the pizza.
Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking allows the cheese to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Nutritional Information on Chicken Bacon Sauce Ranch Pizza

Caloric Content

Chicken bacon ranch pizza is indulgent, and it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. On average, a slice of chicken bacon ranch pizza contains about:

300-400 calories
15-20 grams of fat
20-30 grams of carbohydrates
15-20 grams of protein

This can vary based on the size of the slice and the specific ingredients used. Homemade pizza allows you to control the portion sizes and ingredients, making it easier to manage your intake.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to enjoy chicken bacon ranch pizza without the guilt, consider these healthier alternatives:

Whole Wheat Crust: Use whole wheat pizza dough to add fiber and nutrients. Whole wheat flour contains more vitamins, minerals, and fiber compared to regular white flour, making your pizza a bit healthier.
Low-Fat Cheese: Opt for reduced-fat mozzarella or a blend of low-fat cheeses. This can significantly reduce the amount of saturated fat in your pizza.
Turkey Bacon: Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lower fat option. Turkey bacon has fewer calories and fat than traditional pork bacon but still provides that savory flavor.
Light Ranch Dressing: Use a light or yogurt-based ranch dressing to reduce calories and fat. These versions often have a similar flavor profile but with fewer calories and less fat.

Common FAQs about What Sauce is on Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza

What kind of cheese is best for chicken bacon ranch pizza?

Mozzarella is the most popular choice due to its melting properties and mild flavor. However, you can also use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for added flavor. Cheddar adds a slight sharpness that pairs well with the creamy ranch and savory bacon. Other cheese options include provolone, gouda, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.

Is it possible to use a different type of dressing instead of ranch?

Yes, you can experiment with other dressings like garlic Alfredo, BBQ sauce, or pesto for a different twist on the traditional chicken bacon ranch pizza. Each alternative offers a unique flavor profile:

Garlic Alfredo: Adds a rich, creamy, and slightly garlicky flavor.
BBQ Sauce: Provides a sweet, smoky, and tangy taste.
Pesto: Gives a fresh, herbaceous, and slightly nutty flavor.

How can I make the crust crispier?

To achieve a crispier crust. Pre-bake the pizza dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. Additionally, baking the pizza on a pizza stone or steel can help achieve a crispy crust. Moreover, these surfaces retain and distribute heat more evenly than a regular baking sheet. Resulting in a better crust texture. For instantce, using a pizza peel to transfer the dough onto a hot stone can also improve crispiness.

Is chicken bacon ranch pizza gluten-free?

The pizza itself is not gluten-free unless you use a gluten-free pizza dough. Ensure all other ingredients, such as the ranch dressing and toppings, are also gluten-free. Many stores offer gluten-free pizza dough options, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour blends.

Conclusion

In summary, chicken bacon ranch pizza combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing to create a delicious and unique flavor experience. Making it at home is simple with the right ingredients and techniques. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or just looking for a new recipe to try, chicken bacon ranch pizza is sure to be a hit.

Key Takeaways:

Chicken bacon ranch pizza originated in the 1990s and quickly became popular in the United States.
The pizza combines savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing for a unique flavor.
Experiment with optional toppings like tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and spinach to customize your pizza.
Homemade ranch dressing can be made with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, buttermilk, and fresh herbs.
Consider alternative sauces like garlic Alfredo, BBQ sauce, or pesto for different flavor profiles.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results and follow tips to perfect your homemade pizza.

What do you think? Ready to try making this pizza at home?

What Sauce is on Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza? Ultimate Guide