Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza
Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a delicious meal that’s super simple to whip up, you’ve landed in the right place. This Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza is not only a crowd pleaser, but it’s also a fabulous way to use leftover chicken. Let’s get cookin’ and make some magic happen in the kitchen!
What Is BBQ Chicken Pizza?
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on the classic pizza we all know and love. Instead of the usual marinara sauce, we are spreading a layer of our favorite BBQ sauce for that sweet and tangy flavor. Topped with shredded chicken, red onions, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this pizza is all about layering flavor and texture. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be wanting more!
Ingredients Overview for BBQ Chicken Pizza
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s chat about what you’ll need. These ingredients are super easy to find, and if you need any substitutions, I’ll give you some ideas. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pizza Dough: You can pick up a store-bought dough or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced, whatever you’ve got on hand will work like a charm.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for that personal touch.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced to add a bit of crunch and sharpness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for that stretchy, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Cilantro (optional): For a fresh pop of flavor and color on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Pizza
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this scrumptious pizza! Follow these easy peasy steps for a pizza night that you’ll love.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). You want it hot and ready for that bubbly goodness.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Go for your preferred thickness here—thicker crust lovers, unite!
- Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, but don’t go too close to the edges. We want to save some space for that crispy crust!
- Sprinkle shredded chicken generously over the sauce. It’s all about that protein goodness.
- Add thinly sliced red onions over the chicken. They’ll give it a delightful crunch.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. The more, the merrier, right?
- Place the pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone, then bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until that crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy, slice it up, and dive right in!
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is absolutely delightful on its own, but there are some fun ways to take it even further. Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a crunchy complement or serve it alongside some roasted veggies for a wholesome meal. If you’re hosting a get-together, cut it into smaller slices for easy sharing, and don’t forget the extra BBQ sauce for those who crave a little more flavor!
Tips For The Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Dough Tip: Let your pizza dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. It makes it easier to work with.
- Chicken Variations: If you don’t have cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut.
- Cheese Love: Feel free to mix in some cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a flavor twist.
- Sweet on Onions: If raw red onions are too sharp for your taste, try caramelizing them first for a sweet touch.
Q&A Section
Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make your dough ahead and store it in the fridge wrapped tightly for up to 3 days. Just give it time to come back to room temperature before rolling it out.
What BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite brand! Some people love a smokey flavor, while others prefer a sweeter sauce. Try whatever sounds good to you.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to throw on some bell peppers, bacon, or even pineapple if that’s your jam!
How long will leftovers keep?
In an airtight container, leftovers can stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just pop it back in the oven to reheat!
Why You’ll Love It
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a total game changer. It’s super simple to make and seriously satisfying to eat. You’ll love how customizable it is, allowing you to make it your own based on what you have on hand. The combination of sweet BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese is a flavor experience you won’t want to miss!
Behind The Scenes of Recipe Development
When I was developing this recipe, I had a little fun in the kitchen, and let me tell you, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The first time I made it, I was so excited that I totally forgot to sprinkle the cheese on top. It was a bit of a sad scene, but I learned quickly that cheese is essential for that classic pizza vibe. After a couple of tweaks and definitely some finger-licking tastings, I ended up with a version that I absolutely adore, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
{image_template}
Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and simple BBQ Chicken Pizza, topped with shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, red onions, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- Pizza Dough
- Cooked Chicken Breast, shredded
- BBQ Sauce
- Red Onion, thinly sliced
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- Fresh Cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving space for the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded chicken over the sauce.
- Add thinly sliced red onions over the chicken.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Place the pizza on a baking sheet or pizza stone, then bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
Let your pizza dough sit at room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling. You can use rotisserie chicken as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg