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BBQ Chicken Bacon & Ranch Fingers

By: Drizzle

Servings: 18

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

2PP, 2SP on blue, green & purple

Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 package Pillsbury pizza dough crust
• ▢ 2 Tbsp Simple girl carolina sauce, or similar such as franks sauce
• ▢ 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, any brand is fine
• ▢ 2 Tbsp light ranch dressing
• ▢ 5 slices center-cut bacon *or similar, cooked, drained and crumbled
• ▢ 1.5 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 6oz)

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Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 400F, roll out pizza dough on a large baking sheet and pre-bake for about 8 minutes then remove from oven.
• Mix your barbecue sauce and carolina sauce together and brush onto crust.
• Top with your chicken and crumbled bacon and bake in oven for another 12-15 minutes, checking crust is cooked.
• Drizzle with ranch dressing (I pipe out of a small zip lock bag)
• Using a pizza cutter cut into 18 fingers, one cut across the middle and 9 cuts down.
• Makes 18 fingers at 2 personal points, 2 smart points or 2 points plus each.. Nutritional info per finger .. Calories 82…Fat 1.9g..Sat fat 0.5g…Carbs 10.2g…Fiber 0g…Sugars 2.3g..Protein 5.8g

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer

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Why These BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers Are a Must-Try

This recipe combines a few simple ingredients to create a flavor profile that is both complex and incredibly satisfying. The sweetness and tang of the barbecue sauce perfectly complement the savory, smoky notes of the bacon and the mildness of the chicken. A hint of zesty Carolina sauce adds a unique kick, while a creamy drizzle of light ranch dressing ties all the flavors together in a harmonious blend. It’s truly a symphony for your taste buds, offering a delightful balance of textures from the crispy crust to the tender chicken and crunchy bacon bits.

Effortless Preparation for Maximum Enjoyment

One of the biggest advantages of these chicken bacon ranch fingers is how effortlessly they come together. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to master this dish. With minimal prep time and a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have a mouthwatering appetizer ready in just 25 minutes. This makes them ideal for last-minute guests or when you simply crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Using store-bought pizza dough and pre-cooked shredded chicken cuts down on cooking time significantly, making this recipe a go-to for busy individuals.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a casual backyard barbecue, a kids’ birthday party, or just need a satisfying family dinner, these chicken fingers fit right in. They are true finger food, making them perfect for mingling and easy consumption. Serve them hot out of the oven, and watch them disappear! Their universal appeal ensures that both adults and children will find them absolutely irresistible.

Weight Watchers Friendly & Diet Conscious

For those managing their nutritional intake, these chicken bacon ranch fingers are a fantastic option. At only 2 personal points (2 smart points on blue, green & purple plans) per finger, you can enjoy a flavorful snack without derailing your health goals. This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or variety. The use of light ranch dressing and lean shredded chicken contributes to its lighter profile while maintaining all the deliciousness.

Ingredient Spotlight: Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this appetizer so special and how you can ensure the best results:

• Pillsbury Pizza Dough Crust: This is your base, and Pillsbury offers a consistent, easy-to-use option. You can also experiment with other brands of ready-made pizza dough or even your favorite homemade recipe if you have a little extra time. The key is to pre-bake it slightly to achieve that perfect crispy foundation.
• Simple Girl Carolina Sauce or Frank’s Sauce: This ingredient adds a tangy, slightly spicy depth that elevates the overall flavor. Carolina sauces are often vinegar-based, providing a nice contrast to the sweet BBQ. If you don’t have Simple Girl brand, Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce or any similar hot sauce with a vinegar base will work wonderfully. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of tanginess and heat.
• Barbecue Sauce (Any Brand): The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Use your favorite BBQ sauce – whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. A classic hickory or honey BBQ sauce works perfectly, but feel free to experiment with different regional styles to customize the flavor. Just ensure it’s a good quality sauce you enjoy!
• Light Ranch Dressing: This is crucial for keeping the points low for Weight Watchers, but it also provides a creamy, herbaceous counterpoint to the bold BBQ and bacon flavors. Opt for a light or fat-free ranch dressing. If you’re not tracking points, any good quality ranch dressing will be delicious. You can even whip up a quick homemade light ranch if you prefer.
• Center-Cut Bacon (Cooked, Drained, Crumbled): Center-cut bacon is leaner and cooks up beautifully crispy. The key is to cook it until it’s perfectly crisp and then drain off any excess fat before crumbling. This prevents the fingers from becoming greasy. If you prefer, turkey bacon can be a good substitute for an even lighter option, just make sure to cook it until it’s very crispy.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken (about 6oz): This is where the recipe shines in terms of convenience. Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here – simply shred it, and you’re good to go. You can also boil or bake chicken breasts and then shred them yourself. About 1.5 cups of shredded chicken is roughly equivalent to one large chicken breast.

Step-by-Step Guide for Flawless BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers

Follow these detailed steps to ensure your chicken bacon ranch fingers turn out perfectly every time:

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully unroll the Pillsbury pizza dough onto a large baking sheet. It’s important to pre-bake the dough for about 8 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a firm, crispy base that won’t become soggy under the toppings. Once lightly golden and slightly firm, remove it from the oven.
2. Create the Flavorful Base: In a small bowl, combine your barbecue sauce and Carolina sauce. Whisk them together until they are well blended. This creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, generously brush this mixture evenly over the pre-baked pizza crust. Make sure to get it right to the edges for maximum flavor.
3. Add the Toppings: Evenly scatter the shredded cooked chicken over the sauced crust. Next, sprinkle the crumbled, crispy bacon over the chicken. Distribute the toppings as evenly as possible to ensure every bite has a good mix of flavors.
4. Second Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet back into the preheated oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust and toppings. The crust should be golden brown and the toppings heated through, with the bacon becoming even crispier. If your oven has hot spots, you might rotate the baking sheet halfway through.
5. The Ranch Drizzle: Once removed from the oven, allow the fingers to cool for just a minute or two. Then, take your light ranch dressing. For a neat and professional look, I find it easiest to pipe the ranch dressing over the top. You can do this by spooning the dressing into a small zip-lock bag, snipping a tiny corner off the bag, and then squeezing to create thin drizzles across the entire pizza. This adds that iconic ranch flavor and a beautiful finish.
6. Cut and Serve: Using a sharp pizza cutter, make one cut across the middle of the pizza dough lengthwise. Then, make 9 even cuts down the width of the dough. This will yield 18 perfectly sized “fingers.” Serve immediately while they’re warm and the crust is still delightfully crisp.

Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

To make sure your BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers are always a hit, consider these additional tips and exciting variations:

• Don’t Overload: While tempting to pile on toppings, too much can make the crust soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best texture.
• Crispy Bacon is Key: Ensure your bacon is cooked to a good crisp before crumbling. Soggy bacon won’t give you the desired texture.
• Pre-cooked Chicken: As mentioned, using pre-cooked chicken saves a lot of time. Rotisserie chicken is a secret weapon for quick recipes like this.
• Let it Cool Slightly: Cutting the fingers immediately out of the oven can be messy. Allowing it to cool for a minute or two helps the toppings set and makes for cleaner cuts.

Creative Customization Ideas:

• Add Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a Monterey Jack blend before the second bake would add an extra layer of richness.
• Spice it Up: For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or sprinkle some on top before baking. A dash of cayenne pepper can also work.
• Veggies Welcome: Finely chopped green onions, a sprinkle of diced bell peppers, or even a few thinly sliced red onion pieces can add fresh flavor and color. Add them with the chicken and bacon.
• Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, consider using leftover pulled pork for a smoky twist, or even ground turkey seasoned with taco spices.
• Gluten-Free Option: Many brands now offer gluten-free pizza crusts. Simply swap it out to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

These BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even better:

• Dipping Sauces: Offer extra light ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.
• Pair with a Salad: For a more complete meal, serve these fingers alongside a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Perfect for Potlucks: They travel well and are easy to reheat, making them an excellent choice for potlucks or as an impressive contribution to a party spread.

Storage: Leftover chicken bacon ranch fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (around 350°F / 175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Microwaving is an option, but it may result in a softer crust.

Final Thoughts on These Irresistible Appetizers

In conclusion, these BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers are more than just a recipe; they are a celebration of flavor and convenience. They offer the perfect blend of savory, smoky, tangy, and creamy notes, all packed into an easy-to-handle finger food format. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find this recipe straightforward to execute and incredibly rewarding. The short prep and cook times, combined with its versatility and diet-friendly profile, make it an indispensable addition to your recipe collection. Don’t wait for a special occasion; these delicious bites are perfect for any day you crave something truly satisfying and universally loved.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight your taste buds and those of your guests with these phenomenal BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Fingers. Enjoy every last bite!