Craving a fun and flavorful pizza that’s perfect for sharing? Look no further than this Barbecue Chicken Pizza recipe! Tender, juicy chicken gets tossed in a smoky barbecue sauce and piled high on a crispy pizza crust, creating a taste explosion in every bite. This recipe is incredibly versatile and allows you to customize it with your favorite toppings and barbecue sauce flavors.
What Makes This Barbecue Chicken Pizza Special?
- Flavorful & Customizable: The smoky barbecue sauce and juicy chicken combine to create a delicious base. Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add red onion, sliced jalapenos for a kick, or a sprinkle of your favorite cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This pizza is ideal for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or game nights with friends. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to be a hit.
- Grill or Oven Friendly: You can cook this pizza on your backyard grill for a smoky flavor, or bake it in the oven for a convenient option.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- For the Pizza:
- 1 (12-inch) pre-baked pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind, smoky, sweet, or spicy!)
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional Toppings: Red onion, sliced jalapenos, chopped green peppers, pineapple chunks
- For Serving (Optional):
- Extra barbecue sauce for drizzling
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare your grill for medium heat.
- Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the prepared pizza crust.
- Top with the shredded chicken and your desired toppings.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. If using a grill, cook the pizza indirectly over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the crust is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Optional: Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Barbecue Chicken Pizza:
- Pre-cook the Chicken: For best results, make sure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the pizza.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pizza: This can make the crust soggy. Stick to a moderate amount of toppings.
- Cheese Choice: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend for different flavor profiles.
- Leftovers: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Enjoy this delicious and customizable Barbecue Chicken Pizza recipe! It’s a fun twist on classic pizza that’s sure to become a family favorite.