This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on the classic pizza! It features sweet BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and plenty of melty cheese, all baked to perfection. Yum!
Honestly, I love the smoky flavor from the BBQ sauce. It makes the whole pizza so tasty! You can also top it with some onions or cilantro for a little extra zing. Enjoy it with friends or family!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using store-bought pizza dough is a great option for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making your own with flour, water, yeast, and salt. Gluten-free dough can also work well if needed!
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s already cooked and flavorful. If you’re vegetarian, try using grilled mushrooms or jackfruit as a hearty replacement.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; I like a sweeter sauce for this pizza. If you want a healthier option, make your own by mixing tomato sauce with honey or maple syrup and spices.
Cheese: Mozzarella is traditional, but you can mix it up with cheddar for added flavor. Vegan cheese is a great substitute if you’re dairy-free!
Red Onion: If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can sauté them for a milder flavor. You can also use scallions for a fresh twist. The corn is optional, but it adds a nice sweetness!
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crispy Pizza Crust?
Getting your pizza crust nice and crispy is all about the right technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting (475°F or 245°C) for a great bake.
- If you have a pizza stone, let it heat up in the oven for at least 30 minutes. This will help create that crispy bottom.
- Roll out your dough gently, avoiding over-working it to keep air in, which helps with rise and texture.
- Brushing the edges with olive oil not only adds flavor but helps achieve golden color.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a crispy crust that everyone will love!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Pizza will take about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a delicious pizza ready to devour in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First thing’s first, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place that in the oven now so it can heat up. A hot stone helps make the crust crispy!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness, aiming for about 12 inches in diameter. If the dough shrinks back, let it rest for a few minutes to relax.
3. Transfer the Dough:
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help you move the pizza easily later.
4. Brush the Crust:
Take a tablespoon of olive oil and lightly brush it on the outer edge of the dough. This will give you a beautiful golden crust as it bakes!
5. Add BBQ Sauce:
Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the surface of the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
6. Prepare the Chicken:
Toss the shredded chicken with a few extra tablespoons of barbecue sauce to coat it well. Then, spread the chicken evenly over the sauce layer on the pizza.
7. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken. Cheese is what makes it gooey and delightful!
8. Add Onions and Corn:
Scatter the thinly sliced red onions and optional corn kernels around on top for extra flavor and texture.
9. Bake the Pizza:
Slide your pizza into the hot oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and melted!
10. Finishing Touch:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce over the top for extra flavor.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Top it off with chopped fresh cilantro, slice it up, and get ready to enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza!
Bon appétit! Enjoy this wonderfully savory pizza full of smoky, sweet flavors and delightful toppings!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and can save you time. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for rolling and handling.
Can I Substitute Other Proteins?
Yes! Feel free to use other proteins like pulled pork, shredded beef, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian option. Just make sure they’re cooked before adding them to the pizza.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick sauce by mixing ketchup with a bit of honey, vinegar, and your favorite spices. Alternatively, you could use pizza sauce or even a pesto for a different flavor profile!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
