This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza! It’s topped with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a tangy BBQ sauce that really makes your taste buds dance.
Honestly, who doesn’t love bacon on pizza? It’s the best combo ever! I serve this with a side salad for a yummy meal that feels special but is super easy to whip up at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: If you want to save time, store-bought pre-made dough works great. I often use homemade dough when I have the time. You can also try cauliflower crust for a lighter version or gluten-free dough if you’re avoiding gluten.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe because it makes things so easy. If you have leftover grilled chicken, that’s a fantastic option too! For a vegetarian version, you could swap in grilled mushrooms or firm tofu.
BBQ Sauce: Using a tangy BBQ sauce gives this pizza its unique flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a low-sugar BBQ sauce or even make your own with ketchup, vinegar, and spices.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. If you don’t eat pork, turkey bacon or smoked tempeh can be great substitutes. I also love throwing in some cooked pancetta for a different twist!
How Do I Roll Out Pizza Dough Without It Sticking?
Rolling out pizza dough can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, it’s easy! Start by making sure your work surface and dough are well-floured to prevent sticking. Also, keep the dough at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling; this makes it more pliable.
- Flour your rolling pin lightly and the surface.
- Roll from the center outward, turning the dough a quarter turn every few rolls to maintain a round shape.
- If it starts to stick, sprinkle a little more flour underneath.
With these tips, you’ll have a perfectly rolled-out pizza ready for toppings!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes getting everything ready and then 15-20 minutes baking it until it’s all melty and golden brown. Perfect for a quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will get it nice and hot for your pizza.
2. Prepare the Baking Surface:
Next, take a baking sheet or pizza stone and lightly grease it with some olive oil. This helps prevent the pizza from sticking and gives the crust a nice crispy texture.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you like a thick crust, roll it out less; for a thin crust, roll it out more. Once rolled, carefully transfer it to your greased baking sheet or stone.
4. Mix the BBQ Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until all the chicken is nicely coated. This will be the flavorful base for your pizza!
5. Assemble the Pizza:
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. It’s okay to be generous here; you want lots of flavor!
6. Add the Bacon and Cheese:
Now sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the BBQ chicken mixture. Then, evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the bacon. Yum!
7. Top with Onion:
Add the thinly sliced red onion on top of the cheese. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to the pizza.
8. Bake It Up:
Put your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly!
9. Final Touches:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh pop. Slice it up and serve! Enjoy your homemade BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient and can save you time. Feel free to choose your favorite brand or flavor. If you want to customize it, you can add a bit of honey or apple cider vinegar for a personal touch!
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
You can use grilled chicken for a nice smoky flavor or rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Just be sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using raw chicken, cook and shred it before mixing with the BBQ sauce to ensure it’s safe to eat.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of My Pizza?
If you prefer a kick, consider adding jalapeños or a spicier BBQ sauce. To tone down the spice, use a milder BBQ sauce or increase the amount of cheese to balance the flavors. Toppings can always be adjusted to fit your taste!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza ahead of time! Assemble it up to step 9, then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. This ensures an even cook!
