BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Quick Family Favorite

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked pizza wafting through the house, especially when it’s BBQ Chicken Pizza. This recipe has become a beloved family favorite in our household for its ease and flavor. My kids love the sweet tang of barbecue sauce, the melty cheese, and the crispy crust, while my husband appreciates the simplicity of throwing it all together in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. Here’s how to make this delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• Flatbread Crusts:
• 4 small flatbread crusts or store-bought Naan bread (such as Toufayan brand)
• BBQ Chicken Topping:
• 1 ¼ cups barbecue sauce, divided (such as Sweet Baby Ray’s)
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (e.g., from a rotisserie chicken)
• Cheese and Toppings:
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese or smoked gouda cheese
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the flatbreads on rimmed baking sheets.
2. Prepare Flatbreads:
   Spread about ¼ cup of barbecue sauce evenly on each flatbread.
3. Prepare Chicken:
   Toss the shredded chicken with the remaining ¼ cup of barbecue sauce until well coated.
4. Assemble Pizzas:
   Spread the BBQ chicken evenly over the sauced flatbreads. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Add the thinly sliced red onion.
5. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp around the edges.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onion and optional chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. Slice and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 804 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve warm as a main dish for dinner.
• Cut into smaller slices for a great party appetizer.
• Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
• Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch.

Additional Tips

1. Flatbread Options: Experiment with different types of flatbreads, like Tandoori flatbread for a thicker crust or whole wheat options for added nutrition.
2. Chicken Variations: Use any leftover cooked chicken or even rotisserie chicken to save time. Smoked BBQ chicken adds a rich flavor!
3. Customization: Don’t hesitate to adjust the toppings. Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor and texture.
4. Scaling: This recipe is easily scalable. Halve the ingredients for a smaller batch or double them for a larger gathering.
5. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Substitute BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.
• Veggie BBQ Pizza: Omit the chicken and add an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Hawaiian BBQ Pizza: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet twist on the classic flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Flatbread Sandwich: Use the same ingredients to make a flatbread sandwich instead of a pizza.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with sweet potato fries or regular fries for a fun and filling meal.
• Enjoy with a chilled beverage, such as iced tea or lemonade, to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Present it alongside a charcuterie board for a more extensive spread at gatherings.
• Offer various dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra BBQ sauce for a fun twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: If you have leftover pizza, allow it to cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
   Yes! Store-bought BBQ sauce is a quick and convenient option. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a popular choice.
2. What type of chicken works best?
   Cooked, shredded chicken works best. You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover grilled chicken.
3. Can I use fresh chicken?
   Yes, but you’ll need to cook and shred it before assembling the pizza.
4. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
   Yes, just use gluten-free flatbreads or pizzas as a base.
5. Can I make this pizza vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Omit the chicken and load it with your favorite vegetables.
6. How do I prevent the flatbread from getting soggy?
   Ensure you spread the sauce evenly and don’t overload the toppings. Baking at a high temperature helps crisp the crust.
7. Can I prepare this pizza in advance?
   You can prepare the toppings and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
8. How can I make it spicier?
   Add jalapeños or a spicier BBQ sauce for an extra kick.
9. What’s a good cheese substitute?
   If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese or omit cheese altogether.
10. Can I use a pizza stone?
    Yes, a pizza stone can enhance the crust’s crispiness. Preheat it in the oven before baking.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is not only a delicious and satisfying meal but also incredibly versatile and quick to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it promises to please everyone at the table. With its gooey cheese, savory BBQ chicken, and crisp flatbread crust, this pizza brings comfort food to a whole new level. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of happiness that you and your family will crave again and again! 🍕😋

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