This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a fun treat that’s packed with flavor! Imagine juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce all on a warm, chewy crust. Yum!
If you ask me, the best part is the bacon—who can resist that crunch? I love making this for movie nights. Just add some veggies on top for extra color and crunch!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, but if you prefer homemade, a basic dough recipe works just fine. For a gluten-free option, there are great gluten-free doughs available in stores.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this pizza as it’s already seasoned and easy to shred. If you’re in a pinch, leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken can be used. Just wash it well before adding to the mix!
BBQ Sauce: This is where you can get creative! Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s sweet, tangy, or smoky. If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can make a simple one using ketchup, brown sugar, and a bit of vinegar.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for pizza; however, you can mix in some sharp cheddar or Gouda if you like a bit more flavor. Vegan cheese can also work if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch, but feel free to substitute with turkey bacon or leave it out for a meatless version. You can also use crispy pancetta for a richer taste.
Cilantro: This herb adds freshness, but if you’re not a fan of its flavor, green onions or parsley make great substitutes!
How Do You Roll Out Pizza Dough Without It Sticking?
Rolling out pizza dough can be tricky, but a few tips can help you achieve a perfect crust. Start by flouring your surface lightly. You can also sprinkle a little flour on the dough itself to prevent sticking.
- Use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough from the center outward, turning it a quarter turn every few strokes to keep it even.
- If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes, then try again. This helps relax the gluten.
- Make sure the baking sheet or pizza stone is grease-free and lightly floured before placing the dough on it.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus around 15-20 minutes for baking. So, you can expect the whole process to take about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough until it’s large enough to fit your baking sheet or pizza stone. Once rolled, carefully transfer the dough onto the prepared sheet.
3. Mix the Chicken and BBQ Sauce:
In a bowl, add the shredded chicken and pour in 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated. Don’t forget to season it with a little salt and pepper to taste!
4. Spread the BBQ Sauce:
Now, take the remaining BBQ sauce and spread it evenly over the pizza dough. This will serve as a flavorful base.
5. Add the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the BBQ sauce, making sure to cover every bit!
6. Layer the Toppings:
Evenly distribute your BBQ chicken over the cheesy layer. Then, sprinkle the chopped bacon and thinly sliced red onion on top. It’s going to be delicious!
7. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle a little olive oil over the toppings. This will help everything taste even better!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake it for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the pizza cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro on top for a tasty garnish.
10. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your pizza into pieces and serve it warm. Enjoy your homemade BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza with friends or family!
Can I Use Different Sauces for This Pizza?
Absolutely! While BBQ sauce is traditional, feel free to experiment with other sauces like buffalo sauce for a spicy kick, or a garlic olive oil base for something lighter. Just ensure the sauce complements the chicken and bacon!
Can I Prepare This Pizza in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking. Assemble it, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the preheated oven, adding a couple more minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty!
What Type of Cheese Can I Use?
While mozzarella is classic, you can get creative with cheeses! Consider using gouda for a smoky flavor, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra sharpness. Just remember to keep the total cheese amount about 8 oz for best results.
