Smoky BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pizza with Ranch Drizzle

This pizza brings together all the best flavors: smoky barbecue chicken, crispy bacon and creamy ranch dressing on a homemade crust. The secret is cooking the chicken in a bit of bacon fat for extra depth, then topping it all with melty mozzarella and a final drizzle of ranch.

It’s a fun, hands-on meal that feels like a treat any night of the week. The dough rests twice for a perfectly crisp yet chewy crust and the toppings come together quickly while the oven preheats. Get ready for a pizza that beats delivery every time.

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Ingredients

8 tablespoon BBQ SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Chopped Chicken BreastView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Mozzarella CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Pizza DoughView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon FlourView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 ounce Buttermilk Ranch DressingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce BaconView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to top position (top and middle for 4 servings) and preheat to 475°F. Sprinkle half the flour on a clean surface. Remove pizza dough from packaging and place on floured surface. Shape each piece into a ball. (Tip: Spray hands with nonstick spray or dust with flour to prevent sticking.) Sprinkle dough balls with remaining flour (reserve a little for later). Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
2. While dough rests, heat a large dry pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon; cook, turning occasionally and adjusting heat if browning too quickly, until cooked but not fully crisped, 6-10 minutes. Turn off heat; transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Carefully discard all but a thin layer of bacon fat (you’ll use it later). Once bacon is cool enough, roughly chop. Wash and dry produce. Trim and thinly slice scallions.
3. After dough has rested 20 minutes, line a baking sheet (two sheets for 4 servings) with parchment paper. Carefully press and stretch each dough ball into a rough oval shape and place on one side of prepared sheet (you’ll have two dough ovals per sheet). (Tip: If needed, use a rolling pin to help roll out dough.) Cover dough with a clean kitchen towel and let rest 15 minutes more. (This makes stretching easier.)
4. While dough rests, open package of chicken and drain off any excess liquid. Heat pan with reserved bacon fat over medium-low heat. (Tip: If there isn’t enough bacon fat, add a drizzle of oil.) Add chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat. Stir in half the BBQ sauce and a splash of water (2-3 tablespoons for 2 servings, 4-6 for 4) until chicken is coated.
5. After dough has rested 15 minutes, use floured hands to press and stretch dough on baking sheet into larger oval shapes, about 10 inches long and 5-6 inches wide. Spread each dough oval with a swirl of half the ranch and remaining BBQ sauce, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with mozzarella, then top with as much chicken and bacon as you like. Drizzle or brush edges of dough with olive oil. Bake pizzas on top rack until crusts are golden brown and crisp, 14-18 minutes. (For 4 servings, bake on top and middle racks, swapping positions halfway through.)
6. Drizzle pizzas with remaining ranch and sprinkle with scallions. Slice pizzas as desired; divide between plates and serve.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use leftover or rotisserie chicken. Just shred or chop it and toss with BBQ sauce before adding to the pizza.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the pizza dough with your favorite gluten-free pizza dough or pre-made crust. Adjust baking time as needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until crispy.