BBQ Chicken Pizza is kind of a cool mix of flavors. You get smoky sweet barbecue sauce with chicken, cheese, and whatever toppings you want all on crispy pizza crust. Its a dish that people loves cause its not the same old tomato pizza.
The idea of BBQ Chicken Pizza came around in the late 1980s and early 90s in California pizza places. Chefs started to try new things and they swaped tomato sauce with BBQ sauce. Soon it spread and people all over the US began putting it on their menus, and now you can find it in pizza shops worldwide.
Today BBQ Chicken Pizza sit on many menus because people want something different and tasty. You can serve it at family dinners or parties and kids and adults both like it. Also you can put your own twist on it by adding stuff from your area or favorite toppings.
1. Understanding BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza isnt just a pizza, its a mash up of barbecue and pizza. Instead of tomato sauce you use BBQ sauce then add cooked chicken breast, cheese and maybe some veggies. Its flavor is not like the usual pizza with tomato, garlic and herbs, its more sweet and smoky.
1.2 Key Ingredients in BBQ Chicken Pizza
- BBQ Sauce: Sauce is what gives it its sweet and tangy taste. You can pick smoky or sweet types to change the flavor alot.
- Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken bring in protein and taste good with sauce.
- Cheese: Usually mozzarella cheese that melts and holds everything together.
- Vegetables: Red onions, cilantro, bell peppers or anything else you like add color and crunch wich makes it more fun.
1.3 Popular Variations of BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Buffalo BBQ Chicken Pizza: Uses spicy buffalo sauce instead or with BBQ sauce for more heat.
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza: Pineapple gives it a sweet juicy kick that reminds of Hawaiian style pizza.
- Vegetarian BBQ Chicken Pizza: You can use plant based chicken or skip the meat and add more veggies if you likes it that way.
The Appeal of BBQ Chicken Pizza
2.1 Flavor Profile
- Sweetness of BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce brings in both sweet and tangy notes that you dont get in normal pizza.
- Savory Notes from Chicken: The chicken adds a rich taste that goes well with sauce.
- Creaminess of Cheese: Melted cheese makes every bite smooth and ties flavors together.
2.2 Versatility
You can eat BBQ Chicken Pizza at lunch, dinner, or bring it to a party. Everybody can pick toppings they likes so every pie can be different.
2.3 Family-Friendly Choice
Kids usually love sweet stuff and adults like savory so this pizza works for all ages. You can make it mild or spicy so even picky eaters will find something they enjoy.
The Health Aspect of BBQ Chicken Pizza
3.1 Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken as a Protein Source: Using chicken gives you lean protein which helps build muscles.
- Options for Healthier Crust and Cheese: You can pick whole wheat or cauliflower crust for more fiber and use low fat cheese to cut down calories.
3.2 Reducing Calories
- Use less cheese or swap it for a lighter kind.
- Use a sugar free BBQ sauce or use just a little sauce.
- Add extra veggies for more nutrition but not alot more calories.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza at Home
4.1 Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store bought or homemade)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup red onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Optional toppings: bell peppers, jalapeños, or pineapple
4.2 Directions
4.2.1 Preparing the Chicken
- Grilling: Grill chicken breasts until cooked then shred.
- Baking: Bake chicken at 375°F till done then shred.
- Poaching: Poach chicken in simmering water til tender then shred.
4.2.2 Making the BBQ Sauce (Optional)
You can use store BBQ sauce or make your own by mixing ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar and spices in a pot and cooking till it gets thick. Tweak the taste if you want more sweet or spicy.
4.2.3 Preparing the Pizza Base
- Store-bought dough: Follow the instructions on the package.
- Homemade dough: Mix flour, yeast, water and salt then knead and let rise for about 1 hour.
4.2.4 Assembling Your Pizza
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out dough on a floured surface then transfer to a baking sheet.
- Spread BBQ sauce all over the crust.
- Top with shredded chicken, cheese, onions and any other toppings.
4.2.5 Baking Instructions
Bake pizza for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden. Turn it once half way so it cooks even.
4.3 Tips and Advice
- Dont put too many toppings or the crust can get soggy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
5.1 Complementary Side Dishes
- Salads: A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the pizza richness.
- Dips: Ranch or blue cheese dressing are good for dipping.
- Appetizers: Bruschetta or veggies with hummus work well too.
5.2 Beverage Pairings
- Wines: A chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc goes great with the sweet sauce.
- Beers: Light lagers or IPAs match the flavors nice.
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lime or iced tea feels refreshing.
Popular Places to Buy BBQ Chicken Pizza
6.1 Local Pizzerias
Check out your local spots cause they often make BBQ Chicken Pizza with fresh ingredients and local twists
6.2 Chain Restaurants
Big chains usually have BBQ Chicken Pizza on the menu so its easy to find and customize if you like extra toppings.
FAQs about BBQ Chicken Pizza
- What’s the best type of BBQ sauce for BBQ Chicken Pizza? It depends on what you like; go for sweet, smoky or tangy sauce.
- Can I make BBQ Chicken Pizza with vegan ingredients? Sure, use vegan chicken and dairy free cheese to make it vegan.
- How can I make BBQ Chicken Pizza without a pizza stone? Use a baking sheet or a cast iron skillet instead.
- What are some good toppings besides chicken? Peppers, onions, mushrooms or jalapeños are all great adds.
- How do I store BBQ Chicken Pizza leftovers? Put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in oven or microwave.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Pizza mixes smoky, sweet and savory for a fun twist on classic pizza. You can make it at home or try it at restaurants, and there are endless ways to change it up.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 baking sheet or pizza stone
- 1 rolling pin
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For brushing the dough.
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal For dusting (optional).
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it heats.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Set aside.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. If using cornmeal, sprinkle it on the baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the pizza dough to the baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to enhance flavor and crispiness.
- Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over the pizza dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
- Distribute the thinly sliced red onions evenly atop the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the hot pizza.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
