Ultimate Favourite BBQ Chicken Pizza

The aroma alone transports me back to summer nights, the scent of barbecue wafting through the air as laughter echoed in the backyard. My dad, always the grill master, would whip up his legendary BBQ chicken. One evening, inspired by a local pizzeria, we decided to transform his masterpiece into pizza form. The result? A sweet, savory, and smoky symphony that has become a cherished family tradition – a perfect slice of summer, anytime of the year.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: 2 14-inch pizzas
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 2 cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (leftover chicken is perfect!)
• 1 cup of your favourite barbecue sauce (I like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Bobbie Q sauce)
• 1 (19 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained well
• 20 fresh mushrooms, sliced (more if you desire)
• 1 small onion, sliced thin
• 3 cups pizza sauce, your favourite
• 2 prepared pizza crusts (store bought or homemade, I use Pizza Dough)
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Equipment Needed

• Oven
• Baking sheets or pizza stones
• Large bowl
• Pizza cutter or knife

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2. Pre-bake the pizza crusts for approximately 5 minutes. This helps prevent a soggy crust later on.
3. Spread 1 1/2 cups of your favourite pizza sauce evenly over each pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. In a large bowl, pour barbecue sauce over the diced chicken and toss to mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
5. Top the pizza crusts with the BBQ chicken mixture, spreading it evenly across the sauce.
6. Distribute the sliced onions, mushrooms, and drained pineapple tidbits over the BBQ chicken. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your preference.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese on each pizza, ensuring even coverage. If you’re a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to add more!
8. Bake in the preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10 minutes, or until the crusts begin to brown and the cheese is melted.
9. For the last 2 minutes, switch the oven to broil (keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!). Broil until the cheese bubbles and turns a golden brown color. This will give the pizza a beautiful finish.
10. Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool slightly before slicing and serving.
11. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping the crusts. Yum!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Caramelized Onions: For an extra layer of sweetness and complexity, caramelize the onions before adding them to the pizza. Sauté them in a pan with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar until softened and golden brown. This can transform the flavour profile entirely!
• Crispy Crust: To ensure a crispy crust, preheat a pizza stone in the oven before baking. The hot stone will help cook the crust evenly and prevent it from becoming soggy.
• Cheese Placement: Layer the mozzarella cheese directly on top of the sauce. This helps it melt evenly and prevents the other toppings from drying out. The cheddar can go on top for that classic BBQ flavour.
• Chicken Prep: If you’re using leftover roasted chicken, shred it instead of dicing it. This will create a more tender and flavorful result.
• BBQ Sauce Selection: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different BBQ sauces. A smoky BBQ sauce will add depth, while a sweeter sauce will enhance the overall sweetness of the pizza.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your BBQ chicken pizza hot from the oven, sliced into wedges. It pairs perfectly with a side salad or coleslaw. For a truly indulgent experience, offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing.

Leftover pizza 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 Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. For the best results, avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy. You can also freeze the pizza for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat from frozen, bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	756.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	320.5 g	21%
Total Fat	35.6 g	55%
Saturated Fat	20.7 g	103%
Cholesterol	145.8 mg	49%
Sodium	1619.4 mg	67%
Total Carbohydrate	63.3 g	21%
Dietary Fiber	7.3 g	29%
Sugars	36.3 g	N/A
Protein	47.7 g	95%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredient substitutions and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust for a gluten-free option. There are many great store-bought options available, or you can make your own from scratch.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled or roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• Hawaiian: Add diced ham to the pizza for a classic Hawaiian twist.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, gouda, or pepper jack.
• Homemade Dough: If you want to take your pizza to the next level, make your own pizza dough from scratch.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breasts?

A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds a lot of flavor to the pizza. Just shred it and mix it with the BBQ sauce.

Q: Can I prepare the BBQ chicken mixture ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes it easy to assemble the pizza when you’re ready to bake it.

Q: What if my pizza crust is browning too quickly?

A: If the crust is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking. This will help prevent it from burning.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the pizza?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to the pizza, such as bell peppers, olives, or jalapenos.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza?

A: The best way to reheat leftover pizza is in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This will help crisp up the crust and melt the cheese. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy crust.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ chicken pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to creating memories. Whether you’re hosting a game night, enjoying a family dinner, or simply craving a taste of summer, this pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give it a try and adapt it to your own preferences. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, sauces, and cheeses. The possibilities are endless! And if you do, please share your creations and let me know how it turns out. I’m always excited to hear about your culinary adventures! Pair this pizza with a refreshing iced tea or a crisp, cold beer for the ultimate dining experience. Enjoy!