The BBQ Chicken Pizza is a symphony of flavors, with smoky BBQ sauce meeting the creamy richness of mozzarella and smoked Gouda. Ready in 30 minutes, this pizza offers a perfect blend of convenience and gourmet flavors right from your own oven.
Why You'll Love BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Flavorful Fusion: Combines the smokiness of BBQ sauce with the richness of melted cheese for a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile: Offers flexibility with ingredients, allowing for homemade and store-bought doughs and sauces, gluten-free and dairy-free options.
- Crowd-pleaser: Sure to please a wide range of taste buds, it's ideal for family dinners or social events.
Component breakdown and replacement
Dive into the heart of BBQ chicken pizza with our guide to key ingredients and versatile substitutions. Here, we'll explore the essential ingredients that make this dish a standout and offer alternative options to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
- Barbecue sauce: Opt for a smoky, sweet variety, or try a spicy version for a kick.
- the chicken: Rotisserie chicken and home-cooked chicken both work well. For a vegetarian version, consider using grilled tofu or tempeh.
- cheese: While mozzarella and cheddar are recommended, try different combinations like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or vegan cheese options.
- bacon: Can be omitted for a vegetarian option or replaced with turkey bacon.
- red onion: adds a mild sweetness; Can be substituted with yellow onions for milder taste.
- cilantro: Optional, but adds a new burst of flavor. Parsley is a good alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Absolutely! You can use a deep-dish pizza pan or a baking sheet, although cooking times may vary slightly.
Yes, feel free to use plant-based meat substitutes for chicken and bacon, or just skip the meat altogether and add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
The pizza is done when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is a deep golden brown.
You can prepare the toppings in advance, but for best results it's best to assemble and bake the pizza before serving.
Of course! You can either buy ready-to-bake pizza dough from your local grocery store, or you can use it yourself Homemade Pizza Dough.
Yes! We love homemade BBQ sauce! You can always keep things simple with your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, or kick it up a notch with Homemade BBQ Sauce. The homemade flavor just can't be beat!
If you don't have a cast iron skillet, you can use any greased 12-13 inch baking dish. The key is to make sure it has enough depth for all your fillings.
Chicken substitute
You have many options, from completely hands-off preparation to making it!
Leftover rotisserie chicken
- preparation: Just shred the meat using two forks. Both white and dark meats work well.
- convenience: This is a time saver and a great way to use up leftovers. A mix of dark and white meat adds depth to the pizza.
- consideration: Be aware of the actual seasoning of the rotisserie chicken as it will affect the overall taste of the pizza.
canned chicken
- preparation: Drain and break the chicken meat well. It is usually pre-cooked, so it needs to be heated on the pizza.
- convenience: Quick and easy to use, no extra cooking required.
- consideration: It may be less flavorful than other options and may contain added sodium.
Boiled and chopped chicken
- preparation: Boil chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred. Season as desired.
- convenience: Customizable in terms of taste; Can be made in large quantities and used in many different recipes.
- consideration: Requires additional preparation time and may be less moist than other methods.
fried chicken
- preparation: Grill seasoned chicken breasts or thighs, then slice or dice.
- convenience: Adds a smoky depth that complements the BBQ theme.
- consideration: Requires access to a grill and additional cooking time.
Grilled chicken
- preparation: Bake the chicken in the oven, then cut into pieces.
- convenience: easy to season and customize; Can be made healthier by using skinless chicken.
- consideration: Takes longer than using pre-cooked options
Store-bought pre-cooked chicken strips
- preparation: Simply cut or use, since they are already cooked.
- convenience: Extremely convenient and fast to use.
- consideration: May be more expensive and may contain preservatives or added flavors.
problem solving
- Soggy crust: To avoid this, make sure the skillet is well greased and the oven is properly preheated.
- Burning cheese: If the cheese browns too quickly, cover with foil and lower the oven temperature slightly.
- uneven cooking: Rotate the pizza halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Tips from the chef
- Spread the sauce evenly: Avoid putting too much sauce in the center to prevent a soggy crust.
- Layer wisely: Start with the cheese, then add the chicken and bacon and top with more cheese for an even melt.
- See Stove: Keep an eye on the pizza during the last minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning.
Storage, Freezer and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F or in the microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
To freeze, store your cooked and cooled pizza in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between slices so they don't stick to each other. Your pizza should keep in the fridge for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, heat your pizza in an oven or toaster oven to 325 degrees F until hot.
