This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a tasty twist on your favorite pie! With juicy chicken, zesty barbecue sauce, and melted cheese, it’s sure to please everyone.
Honestly, is there anything better than BBQ sauce on pizza? I could eat this every week! Plus, it’s super simple to make, so you can enjoy it anytime without a fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience! If you’d like to make it from scratch, a simple recipe with flour, water, yeast, and salt works well. Gluten-free options are available too if needed.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great option! It’s ready-made, saving time. You can also use leftover cooked chicken breast or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce! If you want a healthier option, try a low-sugar sauce. For a homemade touch, mix ketchup with vinegar and spices for a quick fix.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix it up with cheddar or gouda for added flavor. Vegan cheese works if you’re aiming for a dairy-free option!
Onion: Red onions add a nice bite, but you can swap in sweet onions or green onions for a milder taste. Feel free to leave them out if you’d rather!
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Cooked Pizza Crust?
Getting the perfect crust is key for pizza! Start by preparing your dough properly and cooking it at a high temperature. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven is crucial for a crispy crust.
- If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat for better results.
- Roll out your dough evenly, making sure it’s not too thick or too thin. Aim for about 1/4 inch.
- Brush the edges with olive oil before baking to enhance browning, which also helps with flavor.
- Bake until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly – don’t be afraid to let it get a little brown!
By following these steps, you’ll have a crust that’s crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, about 12 inches)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Pizza takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you can enjoy this delicious pizza in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, pop it in the oven to heat up. This helps get a crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce until well coated. This adds delicious flavor to your pizza!
3. Roll Out the Pizza Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Once it’s rolled out, move it onto a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone.
4. Prepare the Crust:
Brush the edges of the dough lightly with olive oil. This will give your crust a beautiful golden color when it bakes.
5. Add the Barbecue Sauce:
Spread the remaining 1/4 cup of barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges for the crust.
6. Top with Chicken:
Evenly distribute the BBQ-coated chicken over the sauce. Make sure you cover the pizza nicely!
7. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Cheese makes everything better, right?
8. Add Onions and Corn:
Scatter thin slices of red onion and corn kernels evenly across the top of the pizza for extra flavor and crunch.
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven (onto the stone or a baking sheet) and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden and the cheese is gooey!
10. Garnish and Serve:
When it’s ready, remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice it up and enjoy!
Dig into your delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza, with its perfect smoky sweetness and melty cheese. Happy eating!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought BBQ sauce saves time and effort. Just choose your favorite flavor—sweet, spicy, or smoky—for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for alternatives, shredded rotisserie chicken works great! For a vegetarian option, try using black beans or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warmed through for the best taste!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Pineapple, jalapeños, or bell peppers can add extra flavor and texture. Just make sure not to overload it or the crust might get soggy!
