BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza: A Flavor Explosion!

I’ll never forget the time I was catering a backyard BBQ and, amidst the pulled pork and coleslaw, someone asked for pizza. A lightbulb went off! Why not combine the smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue with the comforting familiarity of pizza? But instead of using a traditional dough, I decided to get creative – and ditch the carbs – by making the crust entirely out of seasoned ground chicken. The result? An unforgettable BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza that became the star of the party! The juicy, savory chicken crust paired with the sweet and smoky barbecue sauce is a combination your taste buds will thank you for.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 individual pizzas
• Dietary Type: Low Carb

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/16 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 1/4 sweet onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large skillet
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the chicken for consistent flavor.

3. Spray the prepared baking sheet/parchment paper and your hands with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial as the chicken mixture can be quite sticky.

4. Divide the chicken mixture into 4 equal portions. Form each portion into a round patty and flatten them out on the baking sheet to create individual pizza “crusts,” about 1/4-inch thick. Aim for a consistent thickness for even cooking.

5. Bake the chicken crusts for 20 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, carefully pour off any excess juices that accumulate on the baking sheet. This will help the crusts crisp up nicely.

6. While the chicken is baking, prepare the onion topping. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sweet onion and sauté until tender and lightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a sweet and savory depth to the pizza.

7. Once the chicken crusts are cooked through, remove them from the oven and turn on your broiler.

8. Evenly spread 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce on each pizza crust. This will act as the base for the toppings.

9. Top each pizza with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the shredded gouda cheese. The combination of these two cheeses provides a perfect balance of flavor and meltability.

10. Distribute the sautéed onions evenly over the cheese on each pizza.

11. Drizzle each pizza with 1/2 tablespoon of barbecue sauce. This adds an extra layer of smoky sweetness and visual appeal.

12. Broil the pizzas for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the parchment paper from getting too close to the broiler element and catching fire.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the chicken crusts for a few minutes longer before adding the toppings.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when cooking the chicken crusts. This will ensure even cooking and prevent them from steaming.
• To add a smoky flavor to the chicken crust, use smoked paprika in the seasoning mixture.
• If you don’t have gouda cheese, you can substitute it with cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Prepare the sautéed onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save time when assembling the pizzas.
• For a spicier pizza, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture or sprinkle some on top of the finished pizzas.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the BBQ Chicken Crust Pizzas immediately after broiling for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Leftover pizzas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the crust soggy.

While you can freeze the cooked pizzas, the texture of the chicken crust may change upon thawing. If you choose to freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	387 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	228 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	25.4 g	39%
Saturated Fat	9.1 g	45%
Cholesterol	130.7 mg	43%
Sodium	595.5 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	10.3 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	6.6 g	N/A
Protein	29.3 g	58%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture or barbecue sauce. Jalapeño slices also work great!
• Different Cheese Combinations: Experiment with other cheese combinations, such as provolone and parmesan, or pepper jack and cheddar.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground chicken with crumbled plant-based meat substitute. Ensure it’s seasoned well to mimic the savory flavor of chicken.
• BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Pizza: Add chunks of pineapple to the pizza before broiling for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Different Barbecue Sauce: Try using different types of barbecue sauce, such as honey barbecue, spicy barbecue, or even a homemade version.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
A: Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. The taste will be very similar.

Q: Can I make the chicken crusts ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken crusts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat them slightly before adding the toppings and broiling.

Q: What if my chicken crusts are too thin and break easily?
A: Make sure you are using enough ground chicken for each crust. Also, be gentle when flattening the patties. Adding a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to the chicken mixture can also help bind it together.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and evenly. If using pre-shredded, toss it with a little cornstarch to prevent clumping.

Q: My broiler is very strong; how can I prevent the pizzas from burning?
A: Position the oven rack further away from the broiler element and keep a very close eye on the pizzas while broiling. You may need to reduce the broiling time.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a delicious and fun way to enjoy the flavors of barbecue and pizza without all the carbs. So, fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own signature version. I’d love to hear what you think, so leave a comment and let me know how your BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza turned out! Consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or a refreshing coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal. Bon appétit!