BBQ Chicken Pizza

Introduction
Indulging in a slice of BBQ Chicken Pizza is like taking a flavorful bite out of summer. This delicious combination of tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese atop a crispy crust is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply want a satisfying meal for yourself, BBQ Chicken Pizza is both easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe stands out not just for its delightful taste but also for its versatility. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken or even tailor it to suit your dietary preferences. The medley of flavors from the BBQ sauce and fresh cilantro complements the gooey cheese and tender chicken beautifully. Plus, making it yourself gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients

1 homemade or store-bought pizza dough
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil + extra for drizzle
2-3 chicken cutlets*
1 cup BBQ sauce (I used Sweet Baby Rays), more if desired
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups mozzarella, grated
1/2 cup gouda, grated
1-2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
Fresh ground black pepper as desired

Directions

Preheat oven to 425˚F. Marinate chicken in 1/2 cup BBQ sauce for 25-30 minutes.
Roll pizza dough into a 12" circle. Place in refrigerator to chill.
Make chicken: Drizzle a little olive oil into a skillet and cook chicken over medium-high heat until the inside is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Once cooled, slice into bite-size pieces.
Remove pizza dough from the fridge. Gently brush with a drizzle of olive oil, then spread remaining BBQ sauce, leaving the edges sauce-free.
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the gouda all over the pizza, again leaving the edges clean to create a crust.
Top with chicken and red onion. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Place the pizza on a round pizza pan or baking sheet and put on the middle rack in the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and the crust is golden.
Remove from oven and top with cilantro and pepper. Serve immediately.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza

Once your BBQ Chicken Pizza is hot and fresh out of the oven, slice it into equal pieces and serve it right away. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Store BBQ Chicken Pizza

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), cool the pizza to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat it in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza

For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken overnight.
Experiment with different types of cheese; a mix of cheddar and pepper jack can add a spicy kick.
Be sure to leave the edges of the pizza dough without sauce to create a delightful crust.

Variation

Feel free to switch up the toppings according to your taste. You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for a sweet contrast. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and replace it with an assortment of your favorite veggies.

FAQs

1. Can I make BBQ Chicken Pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza base and toppings ahead of time, keeping them separate in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

2. What type of BBQ sauce is best to use?
Feel free to use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce! Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice, but experimenting with homemade or spicy versions can lead to unique flavor profiles.

3. Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled pizza before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then bake it directly from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy a slice.