
BBQ chicken pizza is a pizza variety that combines barbecue sauce, chicken, and cheese. The pizza typically includes additional toppings such as red onions, cilantro, and various types of cheese, such as mozzarella, gouda, and Colby-Jack. Some recipes suggest using store-bought pizza dough or pre-cooked chicken to save time, while others recommend making the dough from scratch and poaching or grilling the chicken. The pizza is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly. BBQ chicken pizza is said to have originated from California Pizza Kitchen, and it has become a popular dish that many people enjoy making at home.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cheese | Mozzarella, smoked gouda, Colby-Jack, pepper Jack, provolone, chilli-lime gouda, cheddar, monzzarela |
Chicken | Pre-cooked, rotisserie, shredded |
Other toppings | Red onion, cilantro, pepperoncini peppers, caramelized onions, raw red onion slices, black beans |
Sauce | Tangy BBQ sauce, spicy barbecue sauce |
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella and gouda are the best cheeses
Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza due to its stretchy, melty texture and mild flavour. It has a high moisture content, which makes it ideal for baking, as it can withstand high temperatures without drying out. When baked, mozzarella becomes deliciously gooey and stringy, making it perfect for pizza.
Smoked gouda, on the other hand, adds a unique depth of flavour to the pizza. Its smoky taste complements the BBQ sauce, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the dish. Gouda also has a higher melting point than mozzarella, so it adds a nice textural contrast to the pizza, preventing it from becoming too soggy.
Using a combination of mozzarella and gouda gives you the best of both worlds. The mozzarella provides that essential pizza cheese pull, while the gouda contributes a complex, savoury flavour. Together, they create a balanced and indulgent cheese blend that takes your BBQ chicken pizza to the next level.
In addition to the perfect cheese combination, a well-crafted BBQ chicken pizza should include tangy BBQ sauce, pre-cooked chicken, and red onion. Some recipes also suggest adding fresh herbs like cilantro for a touch of freshness. Whether you opt for a store-bought pizza base or make your own dough, this combination of flavours and textures is sure to impress.
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You can use store-bought pizza dough
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough to make BBQ chicken pizza. In fact, many recipes recommend this as a time-saving alternative to making your own dough from scratch. Store-bought pizza dough is usually sold as refrigerated or frozen balls of dough that you can thaw and use as needed. You can typically find it in the refrigerated section of your grocery store, near the take-and-bake pizzas or shredded cheese. Some local pizza shops may also sell balls of dough.
When using store-bought pizza dough, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with. Second, use flour on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking. Third, if you like a crispy crust, roll the dough out as thinly as possible without breaking it. You can also pre-bake the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings to ensure a crispy texture.
Once you have your dough ready, simply top it with BBQ sauce, cooked chicken, cheese, and any other desired toppings. Bake the pizza at a high temperature, around 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. And that's it! You've made a delicious BBQ chicken pizza using store-bought dough.
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How to make BBQ chicken pizza
BBQ chicken pizza is a delicious combination of sweet and savoury flavours. It is also a fun activity to make at home with your family and friends. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make BBQ chicken pizza:
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- BBQ sauce (any variety)
- Chicken (pre-cooked, shredded, or rotisserie)
- Cheese (mozzarella, Colby-Jack, or smoked gouda)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Olive oil
- Cornmeal
- Optional: pepperoncini peppers, basil
Method:
- Prepare the pizza dough according to your chosen recipe or package instructions. This may include a rising period of up to 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 450-475°F (246°C).
- Grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal.
- Roll out your pizza dough and shape it into a circle, about 12 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. You can stretch the dough thinner if you prefer a crispier base.
- Using your fingers, poke dents into the surface of the dough to prevent bubbling during baking.
- Brush the dough with olive oil and spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on top, leaving a small border around the edge.
- In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken with BBQ sauce to coat.
- Top the pizza with the saucy chicken, sliced red onion, and cheese.
- Bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro (or basil).
- Slice and serve immediately.
Tips:
- You can use store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch. Homemade dough often yields a crispier and fluffier crust.
- Pre-baking the pizza dough for 6 minutes before adding toppings can help to ensure a crispier base.
- Feel free to use your favourite type of BBQ sauce. You can also add more sauce on the side for dipping.
- If you're short on time, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Otherwise, cook and shred your own chicken.
- For the cheese, you can use mozzarella for a classic pizza flavour or mix it with smoked gouda for added depth.
- Red onion adds a sharp, zesty kick to each bite.
- Fresh cilantro provides a touch of freshness and pairs well with the sweet BBQ sauce. You can substitute it with basil if preferred.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your homemade BBQ chicken pizza!
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The best BBQ sauce for this recipe
BBQ chicken pizza is a unique twist on the traditional pizza, substituting the tomato sauce with a tangy BBQ sauce. The best BBQ sauce for this recipe is one that is sweet, but not cloying, with a smoky flavour and a slightly bitter finish.
The most popular BBQ sauce for pizza is Sweet Baby Ray's, which has a thick consistency and a sweet and smoky flavour. It is a versatile sauce that can be used as a base for a variety of toppings or enjoyed on its own. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, Kraft BBQ sauce is a good option. It has a similar flavour profile to Sweet Baby Ray's but is thinner in consistency and costs almost $1.50 less.
If you prefer a plain pie with minimal toppings, Rib Rack BBQ sauce is a good option. It has a molasses-sweet and tangy flavour that pairs well with a simple mozzarella topping. For those who want to venture away from the traditional American-style BBQ sauce, Bachan's Japanese Barbecue Sauce is a savoury, garlicky, and salty option. However, its thin consistency made from a soy sauce base makes it hard to control on pizza dough. Stubb's BBQ sauce is another tomato-based option with a tangy, peppery finish that pairs well with a simple cheese topping.
For those with a sweet tooth, Sticky Fingers Carolina Sweet BBQ sauce delivers a strong sweetness with a veil of acidity. If you are not a fan of sweet barbecue sauce, A1 sauce is a thin, vinegar-forward option that can be used as a base for a variety of toppings. Lastly, if you prefer a mild, tomato-based sauce, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que sauce is a good option, although it may be too bland for some.
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Other toppings to include
BBQ chicken pizza is a tasty dish that you can customise with a variety of toppings. While the classic recipe includes BBQ sauce, chicken, red onions, and cheese, you can add other toppings to make it even more delicious and suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for additional toppings to include:
- Pepperoncini Peppers: These peppers add a spicy kick to your pizza. You can slice them or chop them before adding them to your pizza.
- Spinach: For a healthier option, add some chopped spinach leaves to your pizza. It will provide extra nutrients and a bit of colour.
- Jalapeños: If you like your food extra spicy, consider adding some fresh, diced jalapeños. They will give your pizza a nice kick and complement the other flavours well.
- Bacon: Who doesn't love bacon? Adding some crispy, chopped bacon to your BBQ chicken pizza can take it to the next level. It will add a salty, savoury flavour and a bit of crunch.
- Pickles: For a tangy twist, add some sliced pickles to your pizza. They will provide a refreshing contrast to the other toppings.
- Sriracha: If you want to make your pizza even spicier, add a few dashes of Sriracha sauce. It will give your pizza an extra kick that is sure to satisfy your spice cravings.
- Thyme and Basil: These herbs can add a nice, subtle flavour to your pizza. Sprinkle some dried or fresh thyme and basil over your other toppings for an extra touch of deliciousness.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Instead of using mozzarella or Colby-Jack cheese, you could try Monterey Jack cheese. It has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a great choice for pizza.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, BBQ chicken pizza typically has cheese. In fact, most recipes call for two types of cheese: mozzarella and smoked gouda.
Aside from the cheese, BBQ chicken pizza usually includes BBQ sauce, chicken, red onions, and cilantro. Some recipes also include pepperoncini peppers, caramelized onions, or black beans.
You can use a pre-made pizza crust or make your own dough. Some recipes suggest pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the toppings.
Bake your BBQ chicken pizza in a hot oven (around 450°F) for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Yes, you can prepare BBQ chicken pizza up to one day in advance. Roll out the dough, pre-bake it for a few minutes, add the toppings, cover it, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake it.