ADVERTISEMENT
—
### **Instructions for BBQ Chicken Pizza**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. **Cook the chicken**: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with **salt** and **pepper**. Heat a tablespoon of **olive oil** in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
2. **Shred the chicken**: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it using two forks or chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
3. **Toss in BBQ sauce**: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with about **½ cup of BBQ sauce**. This will infuse the chicken with that smoky, tangy flavor.
#### **Step 2: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **475°F (245°C)**. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up to ensure a crispy crust.
#### **Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough**
1. **Roll out the dough**: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you prefer a thin, crispy crust, roll it out thinner. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. **Brush with olive oil**: Lightly brush the top of the dough with a small amount of **olive oil** to help it crisp up in the oven.
#### **Step 4: Assemble the Pizza**
1. **Spread the BBQ sauce**: Using a spoon or a brush, spread a thin layer of **BBQ sauce** over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
2. **Add the BBQ chicken**: Evenly distribute the **BBQ chicken** over the sauce.
3. **Top with cheese**: Sprinkle the shredded **mozzarella cheese** and **cheddar cheese** over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-covered. The mozzarella will melt to create a gooey, delicious layer, while the cheddar adds extra richness and flavor.
4. **Add the onions and bell peppers**: Scatter the thinly sliced **red onions** and **bell peppers** (if using) over the pizza for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
#### **Step 5: Bake the Pizza**
1. **Bake the pizza**: Place the pizza in the preheated oven on the pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about **10-15 minutes**, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
2. **Check the crust**: If you’re using a pizza stone, the bottom of the pizza should be crispy and golden. If you’re using a baking sheet, make sure to check the bottom by lifting the pizza slightly with a spatula.
#### **Step 6: Garnish and Serve**
1. **Add cilantro**: After removing the pizza from the oven, sprinkle **chopped cilantro** on top for a fresh, herby contrast to the richness of the BBQ sauce.
2. **Slice and serve**: Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot. You can serve it with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping if you like it saucy!
—
### **Tips and Variations**
– **Spicy kick**: For an extra zing, add some **jalapeños** or red pepper flakes to the pizza before baking.
– **Add bacon**: For a smoky touch, top the pizza with cooked and crumbled **bacon** along with the chicken.
– **Vegetarian version**: Swap the chicken for **grilled vegetables** like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a delicious veggie BBQ pizza.
– **Homemade dough**: If you have time, try making your own pizza dough from scratch for a truly homemade experience. There are plenty of simple recipes online for pizza dough, and you can prepare it ahead of time.
—
### **Conclusion**
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a game-changer, combining the best flavors of tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese—all on a crispy, golden crust. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends and family. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adapt it to your taste with different toppings, making it a versatile and go-to pizza option.
So the next time you’re in the mood for something deliciously different, try making this **BBQ Chicken Pizza** and enjoy the flavors of BBQ in pizza form.
ADVERTISEMENT
