Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect way to satisfy your pizza cravings while adding a tasty twist. With tender shredded chicken coated in BBQ sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella, this pizza is easy to make and fun to customize. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, you’ll love how simple it is to create this mouthwatering dish. Let’s dive into the details of making your very own Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 24 grams
- Carbohydrates: 34 grams
- Fat: 12 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why Make This Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce with juicy chicken and melty cheese, creating a flavor explosion that is hard to resist. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. Not only is it delicious, but making pizza at home allows you to customize toppings according to your taste. Plus, using pre-made dough makes the cooking process swift and simple—who doesn’t love a good pizza night?
How to Make Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Directions:
-
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
-
Step 2: Rolling Out the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. If you like a thin crust, aim for about 1/4 inch, while a thicker crust will be about 1/2 inch.
-
Step 3: Preparing the Pizza Base
Place the dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet, ensuring it’s shaped well and evenly spread.
-
Step 4: Mixing the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until the chicken is fully coated.
-
Step 5: Spreading the Chicken Mixture
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the pizza dough, making sure to cover every corner for that fantastic flavor in every bite.
-
Step 6: Adding the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the BBQ chicken layer—don’t be shy, cheese lovers!
-
Step 7: Topping with Onions
Add the thinly sliced red onions, distributing them evenly across the pizza for a slight crunch and flavor boost.
-
Step 8: Baking the Pizza
Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
-
Step 9: Garnishing
Remove from the oven, and garnish with fresh cilantro before slicing and serving. This adds a burst of color and freshness to your dish!
How to Serve Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Serve your Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza hot and fresh from the oven. Slice it into wedges to make it easy to share, and consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or extra BBQ sauce. This pizza is great for gatherings, parties, or a cozy family dinner.
How to Store Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap slices in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven for the best results!
Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Use a Pizza Stone: For a crispier crust, consider investing in a pizza stone. Preheat the stone in the oven before placing your pizza on it.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, jalapeños, or pineapples for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Chicken Variations: If you have rotisserie chicken, it’s a great shortcut! Just shred it and mix with the BBQ sauce.
- Sauce Choice: Experiment with different BBQ sauce varieties—smoky, sweet, or spicy could change the flavor profile entirely.
- Herb Garnish: Try adding different fresh herbs like parsley or chives for additional flavors.
Delicious Variations
- BBQ Veggie Pizza: Replace the chicken with an assortment of your favorite veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
- Ranch BBQ Chicken Pizza: Swap half of the BBQ sauce with ranch dressing for a creamy twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Use buffalo sauce instead of BBQ for a spicy kick, and top with blue cheese for that extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own dough, it’s a great way to customize your pizza experience. -
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
You can use a mix of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce as a substitute, or even try a homemade BBQ sauce recipe. -
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and store it uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. -
How do I know when the pizza is done?
Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling cheese. If the cheese is melted and slightly browned, it’s ready to take out. -
Can I use frozen pre-made dough?
Yes! Just allow it to thaw and rise as per package instructions before rolling it out.
Conclusion
Creating your own Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delightful experience that brings together familiar flavors and a cozy atmosphere. With easy-to-follow steps, simple ingredients, and plenty of opportunities to customize, this pizza is a sure-fire hit. So gather your ingredients, crank up the oven, and enjoy a slice of this deliciousness today! You won’t regret it!
