Making Pizza and Hanging With The Family Is A Lot Of Fun
I fondly remember when my kids were teenagers, and everyone had their own busy schedules. It seemed like we were all running in different directions, but one thing that always brought us together was pizza night. We’d gather in the kitchen, each person choosing their favorite toppings, and create a couple of pizzas to share. The laughter, the flour-dusted countertops, and the delicious aroma filling the house—those were moments that made all the hustle and bustle worth it. This BBQ Chicken Pizza became a family favorite, and even now, it’s still a favorite flavor. It’s amazing how something as simple as making pizza can create such lasting memories.
Did You Know?
Did you know that BBQ sauce, a staple in this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century? Originating in the Caribbean, this flavorful sauce was used by indigenous tribes to marinate and flavor meat cooked over open flames. It eventually made its way to the United States, where regional variations developed, ranging from tangy vinegar-based sauces to sweet and smoky varieties. BBQ sauce adds a unique blend of sweet, savory, and sometimes spicy flavors to dishes like BBQ Chicken Pizza, making it a beloved choice for pizza lovers seeking a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Personal Tip: Preheating the oven is essential to get that perfect crispy crust. I always make sure to give the oven a few extra minutes to fully heat up, especially when making pizza.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Assemble the Pizza:
Personal Tip: When spreading the BBQ sauce, leave a little border around the edges of the crust. This helps prevent the sauce from spilling over and makes the pizza easier to handle.
Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza crust.
Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and red onion.
Bake:
Personal Tip: Keep an eye on the pizza during the last few minutes of baking. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, with just a hint of browning for that perfect finish.
Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Personal Tip: Adding the fresh cilantro after baking gives the pizza a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the BBQ sauce and cheese. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve:
Personal Tip: Serve the pizza hot and fresh from the oven. If you’re making multiple pizzas, keep the first one warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while the others bake.
Enjoy this flavorful and easy BBQ Chicken Pizza with your family and friends.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories, 380 | Protein, 25g | Carbohydrates, 40g | Sugars, 10g | Total Fat, 12g | Saturated Fat, 5g | Sodium, 700mg | Fiber, 2g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a pre-made pizza crust that suits your taste preferences, whether thin and crispy or thick and chewy. Select a BBQ sauce that complements the flavors of the chicken and cheese, ensuring it's balanced in sweetness and tanginess.
- Repurpose Leftover Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken breast for this recipe to save time and reduce food waste. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy application on the pizza.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional for BBQ Chicken Pizza, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor complexity.
- Add Fresh Ingredients: Enhance the pizza's freshness and texture by adding thinly sliced red onions and chopped cilantro after baking. These ingredients provide a burst of color and vibrant flavors that complement the BBQ sauce and chicken.
- Customize to Taste: Customize the pizza toppings based on personal preferences. Add sliced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even pineapple for a sweet and spicy twist. Tailor the amount of BBQ sauce to achieve the desired flavor intensity.
- Utilize Alternative Crust Options: If desired, substitute the pre-made pizza crust with whole wheat, gluten-free, or cauliflower crusts to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Preheat Oven Properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F (220°C) before baking the pizza. This helps achieve a crisp crust and evenly melted cheese in a shorter baking time.
- Serve and Store: Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza hot and fresh from the oven. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Budget-Friendly Option: Making pizza at home can be more economical than ordering takeout. By using ingredients you already have and buying in bulk when possible, you can save money while enjoying a delicious meal.
- Family-Friendly Activity: Involve your family in making BBQ Chicken Pizza! It's a fun way to bond in the kitchen, allowing everyone to customize their own pizza with their favorite toppings.
Let's Learn About Crusts
The crust is the foundation of any great pizza, and there are so many options to choose from. While making your own pizza dough from scratch can be rewarding, it’s not always practical when time is short. That’s where pre-made crusts come in handy! You can find a variety of pizza doughs in the freezer section of your local grocery store—everything from classic white to whole wheat, gluten-free, and even cauliflower crusts. These pre-made options are a fantastic way to enjoy homemade pizza without the hassle of making dough from scratch. Plus, they allow you to focus more on the fun part: customizing your pizza with your favorite toppings!