BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Pizza dough: The base of your pizza, which can be store-bought or homemade.

Bbq sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor to the pizza.

Shredded cooked chicken breast: Provides protein and a hearty texture.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.

Red onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bbq sauce.

Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a burst of flavor and color at the end.

When spreading the bbq sauce on the pizza dough, use the back of a spoon to achieve an even layer. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Additionally, for a more intense taste, consider marinating the shredded chicken in a bit of bbq sauce before adding it to the pizza. This extra step infuses the chicken with more depth and richness, enhancing the overall taste of your BBQ chicken pizza.

• pizza dough - Substitute with naan bread: Naan bread provides a similar texture and can be a quick and convenient alternative to traditional pizza dough.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor that can complement the other ingredients in a unique way.

• shredded cooked chicken breast - Substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken: Rotisserie chicken is already cooked and seasoned, making it a convenient and flavorful substitute.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that works well on pizza.

• sliced red onion - Substitute with sliced shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to red onions, which can add a different dimension to the pizza.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can be a good alternative to cilantro for those who do not enjoy its taste.

• Allow the BBQ chicken pizza to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy.

• For short-term storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

• To freeze, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

• When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the pizza slices from the freezer and unwrap them. Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake the frozen slices for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crispy. For a quicker option, you can reheat in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crisp.

• If you prefer, you can reheat the pizza slices in a skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

• For the best flavor and texture, avoid reheating BBQ chicken pizza in the microwave for more than 1-2 minutes, as this can make the crust chewy and the toppings unevenly heated.

• If you have leftover BBQ sauce or cilantro, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The BBQ sauce can last up to a week, while the cilantro should be used within a few days for optimal freshness.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the leftover BBQ chicken pizza on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the pizza loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from getting too hard.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want a crispier crust.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the leftover pizza in the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese and heat the toppings.
  4. Heat for about 5-8 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the crust doesn't burn.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place a microwave-safe plate in the microwave.
  2. Put a cup of water in the microwave next to the plate to keep the pizza from drying out.
  3. Microwave the pizza on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Check the pizza and add more time in 30-second increments if needed.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the leftover BBQ chicken pizza directly on the toaster oven rack or on a baking sheet.
  3. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover pizza in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Remove when the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the pizza at the specified temperature until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

• Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness on a floured surface.

• Floured surface: Provides a non-stick area to roll out the pizza dough.

• Pizza stone or baking sheet: Used to place the pizza on for baking in the oven.

• Pizza peel: Assists in transferring the pizza to and from the oven, especially if using a pizza stone.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like bbq sauce, shredded chicken, and mozzarella cheese.

• Knife: Used to slice the red onion and chop the cilantro.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing and chopping ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to mix the shredded chicken with a bit of bbq sauce if desired for extra flavor.

• Spatula or spoon: Helps to spread the bbq sauce evenly over the pizza dough.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the pizza in the oven and removing it once baked.

• Pizza cutter: Used to slice the pizza into serving pieces once it’s ready.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to skip the grating step.

Ready-made dough: Utilize store-bought pizza dough to avoid the time-consuming process of making it from scratch.

Pre-sliced onions: Purchase pre-sliced red onions to reduce prep time.

Quick sauce: Use your favorite bottled bbq sauce to eliminate the need for making it yourself.