Game Day BBQ Chicken Pizza (Print Version)
Tangy BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and a perfect crust come together in this easy-to-make dish, ideal for any gathering.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast
02 - 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
→ Pizza Base
03 - 1 (12-inch) prepared pizza dough
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Sauce and Cheese
05 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
06 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda or cheddar cheese
→ Vegetables and Toppings
08 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 475°F. If utilizing a pizza stone, ensure it is placed within the oven during the preheating phase to warm thoroughly.
02 - In a small bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Set aside.
03 - On a lightly floured work surface, roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circular shape. Carefully transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly onto the preheated pizza stone.
04 - Lightly brush the prepared pizza dough with olive oil. Evenly spread 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce over the dough, ensuring a 1/2-inch border remains uncovered.
05 - Generously sprinkle both the mozzarella and smoked Gouda (or cheddar) cheeses uniformly over the barbecue sauce base.
06 - Evenly scatter the prepared barbecue chicken and thinly sliced red onions over the cheese layer.
07 - Bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust achieves a golden-brown hue and the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbling.
08 - Carefully remove the baked pizza from the oven. Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce to taste, then sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Slice into portions and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's surprisingly quick, meaning you won't miss a single touchdown or commercial break.
- The combination of smoky BBQ chicken and gooey cheese is an instant crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to disappear fast.
02 -
- Never overload the pizza with toppings, or you'll end up with a soggy middle; less is often more for that perfect crisp crust.
- Preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet properly is a game-changer for achieving that desirable golden-brown, crispy bottom.
03 -
- Use a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal if using a pizza stone; it makes transferring the pizza into and out of the oven so much easier.
- Don't be afraid to pull the pizza out a minute or two early if you prefer a slightly softer crust, or leave it in a touch longer for extra crispiness.