Bbq Chicken Pizza Recipe

Imagine pulling a hot, cheesy BBQ chicken pizza from the oven, the aroma of smoky sauce wafting through the air. This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for any meal. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, too. Let’s explore how this delicious pizza came to be and what you’ll need to create your own tasty masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal to impress your family or friends, this BBQ chicken pizza recipe is a fantastic choice.

It’s quick to prepare, taking just 10 to 30 minutes, with cooking times ranging from 12 to 22 minutes. Using simple ingredients like pizza dough, BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and red onions, you can create a flavorful dish that everyone will love. The best part is that it has a crispy crust that adds incredible flavors to each bite.

You can also customize the pizza by adding veggies or using a whole grain crust for extra nutrition. This meal is perfect for family dinners, parties, or game nights.

Plus, it’s kid-friendly, making it a fun activity to enjoy together, while ensuring minimal cleanup afterward.

History

BBQ chicken pizza has an interesting history that traces back to its roots in Memphis, Tennessee.

In the 1950s, Horest Coletta introduced BBQ sauce to pizza at his family’s restaurant, Coletta’s Italian Restaurant, which opened in 1923. Initially, locals were skeptical about the combination, but once they tasted the BBQ sauce on pizza, they embraced it.

Fast forward to 1985, when chef Ed LaDou at California Pizza Kitchen created the BBQ chicken pizza. This dish featured shredded chicken, homemade BBQ sauce, onions, cilantro, and fontina cheese. LaDou’s innovative approach to pizza toppings not only led to the creation of this dish but also paved the way for culinary exploration in pizza offerings.

It quickly became popular, showcasing how BBQ flavors evolved in pizza. Today, BBQ chicken pizza reflects both regional influences and culinary creativity, making it a beloved favorite in many restaurants and homes.

Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe? This dish combines the smoky flavor of BBQ sauce with tender chicken, melty cheese, and your choice of fresh toppings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this pizza is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Whether you opt for store-bought dough or decide to make your own from scratch, the combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds! To prepare this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Pizza, you’ll need a few key ingredients that complement each other beautifully. The savory chicken is coated in BBQ sauce and paired with a medley of cheeses, while fresh toppings add a burst of color and flavor.

With a simple assembly process and a quick bake time, you’ll have a homemade pizza ready to serve in no time! Additionally, this recipe features caramelized onions for added flavor, making it even more irresistible.

Ingredients:

1 chicken breast, about ¾ pound
¾ cup BBQ sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 prepared pizza dough
1 white onion, thinly sliced
2-3 slices of bacon, chopped (optional)
¼ cup sliced red onion
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. If using homemade dough, prepare the dough first by mixing warm water, yeast, honey, olive oil, flour, and salt. Allow it to rise until doubled in size.
While the oven is preheating, grill, bake, sauté, or roast the chicken breast until fully cooked. Once done, shred or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a mixing bowl, coat the cooked chicken with ¾ cup of BBQ sauce until evenly covered.
Roll out the prepared pizza dough on a floured surface, ensuring it’s the desired thickness. Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the BBQ sauce, followed by the BBQ-coated chicken, sliced onions, and bacon (if using).
Top the pizza with any additional cheese as desired, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for added flavor.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.

As you prepare this BBQ Chicken Pizza, remember that the key to a great pizza is in the toppings. Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite vegetables, different types of cheese, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.

Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures, and don’t hesitate to personalize the recipe to suit your taste!

Final Thoughts

Creating your own BBQ Chicken Pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you consider how customizable it is. You can choose your favorite ingredients, from the type of cheese to the sauce, tailoring the pizza to your taste. Remember to keep an eye on the nutritional aspects, like calories and fat content. Every slice has about 220 calories, so enjoying it in moderation is key. Pre-baking the crust guarantees a crisp base, and baking at 450°F will give you that perfect golden brown finish. Baking time is also adjustable based on your oven performance, ensuring your pizza comes out just right. Serve your pizza immediately for the best flavor.

With these tips, you’ll create a delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza that satisfies your cravings and impresses your family and friends!

FAQ

What should you know before making your BBQ Chicken Pizza? First, decide if you’re using homemade or store-bought dough. If homemade, prepare the dough through step three, or simply thaw your frozen dough.

Next, cook your chicken breast in a skillet with your favorite spices until it reaches 165°F. Chop the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce for flavor. Pre-cooked chicken is a convenient option that saves time in your pizza preparation.

For toppings, a mix of mozzarella and smoked Gouda works best, but feel free to experiment. Preheat your oven to 450-475°F and roll your dough into a 12-inch circle. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Finally, remember to add some cilantro after baking for a fresh touch! Enjoy your delicious creation!