BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fantastic twist on the classic pizza, combining the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with the delicious flavors of tender chicken, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Delight is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With a crispy crust, juicy chicken, and a tangy sauce, it’s a flavorful and fun alternative to your traditional pizza!
Ingredients
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, depending on preference)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (optional for added flavor)
For the Base Sauce:
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
If you’re using pre-made pizza dough, roll it out to your desired thickness and shape. Place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone lined with parchment paper. If you’re making homemade dough, follow the recipe instructions and roll it out on a lightly floured surface.
Step 2: Make the Base Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined. This will be the base sauce that you spread over the pizza dough for extra flavor.
Step 3: Add the BBQ Sauce
Brush a thin layer of the BBQ sauce mixture over the prepared pizza dough. Make sure to cover it evenly, leaving a small border for the crust.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Take your cooked chicken (either shredded or cubed) and mix it with the remaining BBQ sauce until it’s well-coated. Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over the pizza, ensuring every bite will have a perfect balance of chicken and sauce.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Toppings
Top the pizza with the shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure to cover the chicken and sauce evenly. Then, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onions over the cheese. If you want a little extra crunch and flavor, add the crumbled bacon as well.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it toward the end to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Slice it up and serve hot!
Cooking Notes
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for a quick and easy meal. If you’re cooking the chicken specifically for the pizza, grilled or baked chicken works wonderfully.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce with the flavor profile you prefer, whether it’s sweet, tangy, or smoky. You can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce for a personal touch.
- Cheese: If you want a cheesier pizza, you can add a mix of cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or provolone. These cheeses melt beautifully and complement the BBQ flavor.
- Crust: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pizza dough. You can also opt for a cauliflower crust for a lighter, low-carb alternative.
- Bacon: The bacon adds a smoky flavor, but it’s optional. You can leave it out for a lighter version or add more for extra crunch and flavor.
Variations
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle a bit of hot sauce on top of the pizza before baking for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Pizza: For a tropical twist, add pineapple chunks on top of the pizza before baking. The sweet pineapple pairs wonderfully with the smoky BBQ sauce and tender chicken.
- BBQ Chicken Veggie Pizza: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to your pizza for extra veggies and flavor.
- Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Pizza: If you’re on a gluten-free diet, simply swap out the pizza dough for a gluten-free version and follow the rest of the recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce for the pizza?
Yes! Store-bought BBQ sauce works great for this recipe. Just pick your favorite brand or flavor, whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. You can even experiment with different sauces to find your perfect combination!
How can I make the pizza crust extra crispy?
For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven while it heats up. Then, place the pizza dough on the hot surface to bake. You can also brush the crust with olive oil before baking to help it crisp up.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice, feel free to add other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a little blue cheese for a more complex flavor. Each cheese adds a unique twist to the pizza.
How do I store leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes or until the crust is crispy again.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Delight is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the best of both pizza and BBQ flavors into one mouthwatering meal. With juicy chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, melty cheese, and a crispy crust, this pizza is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something different for dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. Give it a try and watch it disappear from the plate!
