BBQ Chicken Pizza

This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is a delightful fusion of barbecue flavors and cheesy goodness, creating a satisfying and crowd pleasing dish. It's a fantastic way to use leftover chicken or to create a unique pizza experience with a homemade or store bought crust.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (homemade or store bought): Forms the base of the pizza.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used to brush the crust and cook the chicken.
• Chicken cutlets: Provides a protein rich topping.
• BBQ sauce: Adds a sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor.
• Red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese, grated: Provides a gooey, melty base.
• Gouda cheese, grated: Adds a smoky, nutty flavor.
• Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.

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Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Marinate the chicken cutlets in ½ cup of BBQ sauce for 25 to 30 minutes. Drizzle a little olive oil into a skillet and cook the marinated chicken over medium high heat until the inside is no longer pink, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Once cooled, slice the chicken into bite sized pieces.

Prepare the Pizza Dough:

Roll the pizza dough into a 12 inch circle. Place the rolled dough in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other ingredients.

Assemble the Pizza:

Remove the chilled pizza dough from the refrigerator. Gently brush the dough with a drizzle of olive oil. Spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving the edges sauce free to form a crust. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of grated mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated gouda cheese evenly over the sauced dough, again leaving the edges clean. Top the pizza with the cooked chicken pieces and the thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and gouda cheese over the toppings.

Bake the Pizza:

Place the assembled pizza on a round pizza pan or baking sheet. Place the pizza on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the baked pizza from the oven. Top the pizza with fresh cilantro leaves and fresh ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Adding More Variety:

• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar.
• Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños.
• Use different types of BBQ sauce, such as a spicy or smoky variety.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pizza as an appetizer or main course.

Pair it with a side salad for a balanced meal.

Offer extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Variations

• Use leftover cooked chicken, tossing it in ½ cup of BBQ sauce and skipping the marinating step.
• Use a store bought pizza crust for convenience.
• Add a drizzle of ranch dressing over the baked pizza.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat the pizza in the oven or microwave until heated through.

This recipe provides a detailed method for making a delicious Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza, with tips for using cooked chicken and customizing the toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this BBQ pizza?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this BBQ Chicken Pizza. Simply shred or dice the chicken and toss it with about 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce before adding it to your pizza. The chicken will still pick up plenty of flavor, and you'll cut your prep time significantly.

→ What other cheeses work well on BBQ Chicken Pizza?

While the mozzarella and gouda blend in this recipe creates a perfect balance, you can experiment with other cheeses too. Smoked cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor that complements the BBQ sauce. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. For something different, try a small amount of gorgonzola or blue cheese sprinkled on top for a tangy contrast to the sweet BBQ sauce.

→ What can I substitute for cilantro if I don't like it?

If you're not a fan of cilantro, fresh flat-leaf parsley makes an excellent substitute on this BBQ Chicken Pizza. It still adds a fresh, herbal note without cilantro's distinctive flavor. Alternatively, thinly sliced green onions or chives work well, or you could try a light sprinkle of fresh basil after the pizza comes out of the oven.

→ Can I grill this BBQ Chicken Pizza instead of baking it?

Yes, this BBQ Chicken Pizza adapts beautifully to the grill! Preheat your grill to medium-high with the lid closed. Stretch your dough and place it directly on the clean, oiled grates for about 2 minutes until grill marks appear and the dough stiffens. Flip it over, quickly add your toppings to the grilled side, close the lid, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts. This method adds an amazing smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.

→ How do I prevent my pizza dough from sticking to the pan?

To prevent your BBQ Chicken Pizza dough from sticking, make sure your pan is well-prepared. For a pizza pan or baking sheet, lightly coat it with olive oil or cooking spray. Alternatively, sprinkle cornmeal on the pan before adding the dough - this creates a barrier that prevents sticking and adds a nice texture to the bottom of the crust. You can also use parchment paper for foolproof non-stick results.