Wicked Chicken Hidden Valley Ranch Pizza #RSC

There’s a certain magic that happens when comfort food meets a touch of unexpected flair. I still remember the first time I encountered a pizza that dared to deviate from the traditional tomato sauce and mozzarella. It was at a small, unassuming diner years ago, and a special on their menu – a “chicken ranch pizza” – had my curiosity piqued. I expected something decent, but what I got was a revelation. The creamy, tangy ranch base, the savory chicken, and the crisp crust combined in a way that was utterly addictive. It was the inspiration behind this particular creation, a recipe that takes that beloved flavor profile and elevates it into something truly extraordinary. This Wicked Chicken Hidden Valley Ranch Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the joy of culinary exploration.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Yield: 1 pizza
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Gluten

Ingredients

This recipe brings together a few key components to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Ranch Base and Toppings:

• 16 ounces herb pizza dough, prepared according to package directions
• 16 ounces plain Greek yogurt
• 1 (1.125 ounce) package Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix (or garlic ranch dip mix)
• 6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• 1/2 lb chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces baby portabella mushrooms, chopped
• 4 ounces baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Equipment Needed

To bring this delicious pizza to life, you’ll want to have these items on hand:

• Oven
• Pizza stone (optional, but highly recommended)
• Baking sheet
• Pizza peel (if using a pizza stone)
• Large skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl
• Spatula or spoon for spreading

Instructions

Get ready to transform your pizza night with these straightforward steps.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during this preheating phase to ensure it’s nice and hot. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy crust.

2. Prepare the Dough: Follow the package directions for preparing your herb pizza dough. This usually involves letting it rise or come to room temperature.

3. Create the Ranch Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the 16 ounces of plain Greek yogurt with the 1 (1.125 ounce) package of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dips Mix. Stir them together until well combined and smooth. Set this flavorful mixture aside.

4. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the 1/2 lb of chicken tenders, 6 roughly chopped garlic cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper to the hot skillet. Sauté them, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides, approximately 10 minutes.

5. Add Mushrooms and Spinach: Once the chicken is nicely browned, add the 4 ounces of chopped baby portabella mushrooms and the 4 ounces of baby spinach leaves to the skillet. Continue to sauté until the mushrooms are soft and tender.

6. Cool and Dice Chicken: Remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the chicken to cool slightly so it’s comfortable to handle. Once cooled, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You should have a little over 1 cup of diced chicken.

7. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, toss the diced chicken with 2 tablespoons of the prepared Hidden Valley Ranch mixture. This infuses the chicken with that signature ranch flavor. Set the seasoned chicken aside.

8. Assemble the Pizza: If you’re not using a pizza stone, you can assemble your pizza directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you are using a stone, you’ll assemble the pizza on your pizza peel. Measure out 1 cup of the Hidden Valley Ranch Mixture and spread it evenly over the surface of the prepared pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust.

9. Add Toppings: Distribute the seasoned chicken, mushrooms, and garlic evenly over the ranch base across the entire pizza surface.

10. Cheese it Up: Generously sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the 1 cup of fresh shredded parmesan cheese over the toppings.

11. Bake the Pizza: If you’re using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza from your pizza peel to the preheated stone in the oven. If you’re using a baking sheet, simply place the baking sheet into the oven. Cook for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Dough Handling: For the best results, allow your pizza dough to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before shaping. This makes it much easier to stretch without tearing.
• Crispy Crust Guarantee: If you don’t have a pizza stone, a preheated baking sheet can also yield a good result. Some chefs even recommend preheating the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before placing the assembled pizza on it, just as you would a pizza stone.
• Ranch Consistency: If you find your ranch mixture is a bit too thick, you can thin it down with a teaspoon or two of milk (dairy or non-dairy) or even a splash of water until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
• Garlic Power: For a more intense garlic flavor, you can mince the garlic instead of roughly chopping it. If you’re a true garlic lover, consider adding a few more cloves!
• Spinach Wilt: Don’t overcook the spinach in the skillet. You want it to wilt slightly but retain some of its vibrant color and a hint of freshness.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Wicked Chicken Hidden Valley Ranch Pizza is best served immediately, piping hot from the oven. Slice it into wedges and enjoy the symphony of flavors. For leftovers, allow the pizza to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is re-crisped, or a toaster oven. Microwaving is an option, but it can sometimes lead to a softer crust.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	335.9 kcal
Calories from Fat	196 kcal
Total Fat	21.9 g	33%
Saturated Fat	9.3 g	46%
Cholesterol	80.4 mg	26%
Sodium	649.6 mg	27%
Total Carbohydrate	5.3 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1.1 g	4%
Sugars	1.4 g	5%
Protein	29.6 g	59%

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.)

Variations & Substitutions

This pizza is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to your preferences:

• Gluten-Free Crust: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade gluten-free pizza dough.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture or drizzle with sriracha after baking for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced red onion, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Ensure they are thinly sliced or diced so they cook through.
• Different Chicken: Cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced, can be a quick substitute for chicken tenders.
• Herb Swap: If you can’t find herb pizza dough, a plain pizza dough will work just fine. You can always add your own fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the ranch mixture for extra flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the ranch mixture ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The Hidden Valley Ranch and Greek yogurt mixture can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: What kind of Greek yogurt should I use?
A: Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt will give you the creamiest and richest base. However, low-fat or non-fat plain Greek yogurt can also be used.

Q: How do I know if the pizza is cooked through?
A: The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown around the edges and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, with some golden-brown spots. The chicken should also be thoroughly cooked.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While mozzarella and parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or provolone for a different flavor profile.

Q: What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
A: A baking sheet works perfectly fine. For an extra crispy crust, preheat the baking sheet in the oven for about 15 minutes before adding the pizza.

Final Thoughts

This Wicked Chicken Hidden Valley Ranch Pizza is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most delicious creations come from a little bit of playful experimentation. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite, perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative and make it your own. I love serving this with a crisp, refreshing green salad on the side to balance out the richness of the pizza. Happy cooking, and may your pizza nights be as delightfully wicked as this one!