BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Craving a mouth-watering pizza that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the juicy tenderness of chicken? Look no further than this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe. Bursting with flavors and topped with scrumptious ingredients like tangy barbecue sauce, tender pieces of chicken, melty cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this pizza will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure. Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate BBQ Chicken Pizza experience.

Ingredients

To make a delicious BBQ chicken pizza, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Pizza dough
• BBQ sauce
• Cooked chicken breast
• Mozzarella cheese
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Dough Preparation

Making the dough

To start, you can either make your own pizza dough from scratch or use store-bought dough for convenience. If you choose to make your own dough, you’ll need flour, yeast, water, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Simply mix these ingredients together, knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, and let it rise for about an hour.

Proofing the dough

After making the dough, it’s important to let it proof. This means allowing the dough to rest and rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy crust, so be patient and give the dough enough time to proof properly.

Preparing the pizza stone

While the dough is proofing, you can prep your pizza stone. A pizza stone helps to create a crispy crust, so it’s definitely worth investing in one if you enjoy making homemade pizza often. Simply place the pizza stone in the oven and preheat it to the desired temperature for baking the pizza later on.

BBQ Chicken Preparation

Marinating the chicken

For the BBQ chicken, marinating the chicken breast is key to infusing it with flavor. You can make a simple marinade using BBQ sauce, garlic, paprika, honey, and a splash of vinegar. Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Cooking the chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can either grill the chicken on a preheated grill, cook it on a stovetop grill pan, or even bake it in the oven. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Shredding the chicken

After the chicken has cooked and cooled slightly, shred it using two forks. This will give the BBQ chicken pizza a nice texture and make it easier to enjoy. Set the shredded chicken aside and get ready to assemble your pizza.

Pizza Assembly

Preheating the oven

Before you start assembling the pizza, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. Typically, a higher temperature around 450°F (230°C) is recommended for baking pizzas, as it helps to achieve a crispy crust and melt the cheese evenly.

Rolling out the dough

Take the proofed dough and roll it out into your desired pizza shape. You can use a rolling pin or simply stretch and shape the dough with your hands. The thickness of the crust is up to personal preference, but a medium thickness usually works well for BBQ chicken pizza.

Adding the barbecue sauce

Spread a generous amount of BBQ sauce on the rolled-out dough. Use the back of a spoon or a pastry brush to evenly distribute the sauce, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

Adding the toppings

Next, it’s time to add the toppings. Start by evenly distributing the shredded BBQ chicken on top of the sauce. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Finally, garnish with thinly sliced red onion and fresh cilantro, which will add a pop of color and freshness to your pizza.

Baking the Pizza

Placing the pizza in the oven

Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use a baking sheet or a pizza pan instead. The pizza stone, however, helps to distribute heat evenly and create a crispier crust.

Baking time and temperature

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza as it bakes to prevent it from burning. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust.

Serving and Enjoying

Garnishing the pizza

Once the pizza is out of the oven, you can garnish it with a few extra toppings to enhance the flavors even further. Consider adding a drizzle of BBQ sauce on top, a sprinkle of cilantro, or even some red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Slicing and serving

Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the pizza into individual servings. The number of slices will depend on the size of your pizza and your desired portion sizes. Transfer the slices to a serving plate or a pizza board.

Serving suggestions

BBQ chicken pizza is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the overall dining experience by serving it with a side salad, coleslaw, or even some grilled vegetables. These refreshing accompaniments balance out the rich flavors of the pizza and add variety to the meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Using different cheeses

While mozzarella cheese is traditional for BBQ chicken pizza, you can experiment with other cheese options to suit your taste. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of different cheeses can work well and add an extra layer of flavor to the pizza.

Adding vegetables

To make your pizza more nutritious and balanced, consider adding some vegetables as toppings. Bell peppers, corn, sliced tomatoes, or even caramelized onions can complement the BBQ chicken and add a pop of color to your pizza.

Substituting the barbecue sauce

If you’re not a fan of BBQ sauce or simply want to try something different, you can substitute it with other sauces. Ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or even a homemade garlic sauce can bring a unique twist to your BBQ chicken pizza.

Tips and Tricks

Using a pizza stone

Investing in a pizza stone is highly recommended for a crispy crust. The stone absorbs moisture and distributes heat evenly, resulting in a pizza with a perfectly crisp and golden-brown crust. Place the stone in the oven while preheating to allow it to get nice and hot.

Using a pizza peel

If you have a pizza peel, it can make transferring the pizza onto the hot stone a lot easier and safer. Dust the peel with flour or cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking, assemble the pizza on top, and then slide it onto the preheated stone in one smooth motion.

Creating a crispy crust

For an extra crispy crust, you can brush the edges of the rolled-out dough with olive oil before adding the sauce and toppings. This will help create a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying crunch.

Storage and Reheating

Storing leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate the leftovers and consume them within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.

Reheating the pizza

To reheat your BBQ chicken pizza, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover slices on a baking sheet and heat them for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help revive the crispy crust and melty cheese, making it just as enjoyable as when it was freshly baked.

Conclusion

Making a homemade BBQ chicken pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of barbecue without firing up the grill. With a few simple steps, you can create a pizza with a crispy crust, tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and a perfect blend of cheese and toppings. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a tasty meal, this BBQ chicken pizza recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your pizza stone, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pizza perfection!