Indulge in the delightful flavors of BBQ chicken pizza, a perfect blend of sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, and a medley of toppings. This dish is ideal for pizza night or a casual gathering with friends. Its crispy crust and cheesy goodness make it a favorite among all ages. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. This is based on a standard slice from a 12-inch pizza.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out crust to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Add sliced red onions for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before slicing and serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer, you can use grilled chicken instead of shredded chicken for a smoky flavor. Additionally, switching to a gluten-free crust can cater to dietary restrictions.
Serving and Pairings
This BBQ chicken pizza pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw. A light beer or iced tea complements the flavors perfectly, making it a great choice for gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This pizza can also be frozen for up to 2 months; wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much barbecue sauce can make the pizza soggy.
- Not preheating the oven can lead to an undercooked crust.
- Forgetting to let the pizza cool slightly before slicing can cause toppings to slide off.
- Overloading on toppings can prevent the pizza from cooking evenly.
- Not letting the dough rest can make it difficult to roll out.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different barbecue sauces for unique flavors.
- For extra crunch, add bell peppers or jalapeños as toppings.
- Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust.
- Let the pizza dough come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought barbecue sauce is a convenient option and comes in various flavors to suit your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the pizza right before baking for a quick meal.
What type of chicken should I use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, but grilled or baked chicken breast is also delicious.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor.
How can I make this pizza spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking to kick up the heat!
Conclusion
BBQ chicken pizza is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of savory chicken, tangy sauce, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy making this delightful recipe and get creative with your toppings!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza crust store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza crust on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out crust to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the sauce.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Add sliced red onions for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before slicing and serving.