BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic pizza we all know and love. With its unique combination of tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, it makes an irresistible dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or enjoying a cozy night in, making BBQ Chicken Pizza is a great choice that will impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Creating BBQ Chicken Pizza at home offers several advantages. First, it’s a delightful way to combine flavors that are universally loved—BBQ sauce and pizza! It’s also a fantastic option for those looking to try something new while still enjoying the comforts of home-cooked food. Homemade pizza allows you to have complete control over the ingredients, making it easier to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences. Plus, this recipe is straightforward enough for beginner chefs yet satisfying enough for those who have a little more experience in the kitchen.
Another reason to take the plunge and make this pizza is how versatile it is. You can customize it with various toppings, sauces, or crust types to fit your taste. It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, and even if you’re not a skilled cook, the process is simple and fun. So, gather your ingredients and let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pizza!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
Creating BBQ Chicken Pizza is a straightforward process that can be done in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend cooking project. Here’s what you’ll need and how to put it all together.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Cooked chicken breast
- BBQ sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Red onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for the perfect pizza crust.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness—thin and crispy or thick and fluffy.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet. For extra flavor, brush the outer edges with a little olive oil.
- Shred or chop your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss this chicken with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until it’s well-coated.
- Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the BBQ sauce, ensuring an even layer for great melting and flavor.
- Distribute the BBQ chicken pieces and sliced red onions evenly over the cheese.
- Top everything with the remaining mozzarella cheese for that gooey, melty finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- As soon as the pizza comes out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor before serving.
Pro Tips for Success with BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Perfect Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
- Sauce and Cheese Balance: Don’t be heavy-handed with the BBQ sauce; too much can make the pizza soggy.
- Chickens’ Flavor: For extra flavor, marinate your chicken in BBQ sauce before cooking.
- Toppings Variety: Feel free to personalize your pizza by adding other toppings such as bell peppers or jalapeños.
- Watch the Bake Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your pizza during the last few minutes to avoid burning.
- Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, a pizza stone can help achieve a crispier crust.
Flavor Variations for BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Spicy BBQ Sauce: Use a spicy BBQ sauce to kick up the flavor. This variation adds heat that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors of the pizza.
- Cheesy Delight: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda mixed with mozzarella for a more robust cheese flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian take.
- Gourmet Touch: Add crumbled blue cheese for a gourmet twist that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Sweet and Tangy: Try adding pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast to the savory BBQ and chicken.
Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza can be served as the star of your meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few light sides. Consider serving it with:
- A fresh green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pizza.
- Coleslaw for a crunchy, cool texture that complements the warm pizza.
- Garlic bread for additional carbs, perfect for those who can’t get enough of great flavors.
- Fresh vegetable sticks with dip as an appetizer while the pizza bakes.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for BBQ Chicken Pizza
If you have leftovers (which you sometimes will because this pizza is so good), they can easily be stored:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warm. A brief stint in the toaster oven is also effective for keeping the crust crispy.
- Freezing: You can freeze the pizza before baking. Wrap it well in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Cooked Pizza: If freezing cooked pizza, make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it up. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ About BBQ Chicken Pizza
What is BBQ Chicken Pizza?
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavorful pizza variety that features cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, mozzarella cheese, and often includes onions and fresh herbs. The unique combination of sweet, smoky, and cheesy flavors makes it a popular choice for pizza lovers.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saving option. Look for fresh or frozen dough at your market. Just make sure to follow the instructions for the specific dough you buy, as cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you’re looking for alternatives, shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. You can also try using grilled mushrooms, tempeh, or even canned chickpeas as a protein alternative for a vegetarian option.
Can I make BBQ Chicken Pizza gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free pizza dough or a cauliflower pizza crust. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free options that have good texture and flavor.
How do I make my BBQ Chicken Pizza spicy?
To add some heat, you can use a spicy BBQ sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over your pizza before or after baking. Adding jalapeños can also give it that extra spicy kick you desire.
Final Thoughts
Making BBQ Chicken Pizza at home brings a fun twist to your usual meal plan. Packed with flavor and easy to customize, this dish is sure to be a hit among family and friends. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or making it from scratch, this versatile recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Get creative with your toppings and share the joy of homemade pizza with loved ones! Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delicious twist on the classic pizza featuring tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet and brush the outer edges with olive oil.
- Shred the cooked chicken and toss with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce.
- Spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Distribute the chicken pieces and sliced red onion over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving.
Notes
For best results, let store-bought pizza dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it out. Monitor baking closely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
