Description
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cup warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet, toss the cooked chicken with 1/4 cup barbecue sauce until coated. Set aside.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat.
4. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
5. Assemble the Pizza: Spread 1/4 cup barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Distribute the barbecue chicken and red onion slices (if using) over the cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella.
6. Bake: Carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with additional barbecue sauce, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Slice and enjoy!
This BBQ chicken pizza is smoky, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser.
#BBQChickenPizza #HomemadePizza
Step-by-Step Guide
For a perfect pizza, follow these detailed steps. Begin by activating your yeast correctly; the water should be warm to the touch (about 110°F), not hot. After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. While it rises, prepare your toppings. When rolling, aim for a consistent thickness to avoid a doughy center. Preheating your baking surface is non-negotiable for a crisp crust. Assemble quickly once the dough is on the parchment to prevent sticking. Bake until you see definite golden-brown spots on the cheese and crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your BBQ chicken pizza hot from the oven. Pair it with a light, crisp side salad with a ranch or vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness. For a casual gathering, offer alongside other finger foods like breadsticks or chicken wings. A cold beer, an iced tea, or a sparkling lemonade makes an excellent beverage pairing. Leftovers reheat well in a skillet over medium heat to restore a crispy crust.
How-to Summary
In short: Activate yeast, mix dough, and let rise for 1 hour. Sauté cooked chicken in BBQ sauce. Roll out risen dough on parchment paper. Assemble by spreading sauce, adding cheese, chicken, onion, and more cheese. Bake on a preheated surface at 475°F for 12-15 minutes. Garnish with extra sauce and cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dough or a pre-made crust? Absolutely. To save time, a high-quality store-bought pizza dough or even a flatbread works well. Simply follow the assembly and baking instructions, adjusting bake time as the crust package directs.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this pizza? Use leftover grilled or roasted chicken, or quickly cook diced chicken breast in a skillet with a touch of oil. For maximum flavor, cook the chicken in a bit of BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza.
My dough didn’t rise. What went wrong? The likely culprit is dead yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water is warm, not hot, as high temperatures kill yeast. Also, check the expiration date on your yeast packet.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time? You can prepare the dough and cooked BBQ chicken up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling for best results.
What other toppings work well? Smoked gouda or cheddar cheese add depth. Diced pineapple offers sweet contrast. Sliced jalapeños provide heat, and crispy bacon bits add a salty crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Hot Water for Yeast: This kills the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
- Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet results in a soggy, undercooked crust.
- Overloading Toppings: Too much sauce or cheese makes the crust soggy. Use a light hand.
- Cutting Pizza Immediately: Let it rest for 3-5 minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set so slices hold their shape.
- Not Using Parchment Paper: It guarantees your pizza will slide easily onto the hot baking surface without sticking or losing shape.
Conclusion
Homemade BBQ chicken pizza is an achievable and deeply rewarding culinary project. By mastering a simple dough and balancing smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, you can create a restaurant-quality pizza that far surpasses delivery. This recipe provides a fantastic foundation—don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings. The result is a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for any night of the week.