BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Pizza dough: The base of your pizza, which can be store-bought or homemade.

Bbq sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor that defines this pizza.

Shredded chicken: Provides protein and a tender texture.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy topping.

Red onion: Adds a sharp, fresh bite to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Cilantro: Chopped fresh for a burst of color and flavor at the end.

When spreading the bbq sauce on the pizza dough, use the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer. This helps to avoid any overly saucy spots that might make the crust soggy. For a more flavorful shredded chicken, consider tossing it in a bit of the bbq sauce before adding it to the pizza. This ensures every bite is packed with that smoky, tangy flavor.

• pizza dough - Substitute with naan bread: Naan bread provides a similar texture and can be a quick and convenient alternative to traditional pizza dough.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that can complement the other ingredients in a unique way.

• shredded cooked chicken breast - Substitute with shredded rotisserie chicken: Rotisserie chicken is pre-cooked and seasoned, making it a convenient and flavorful alternative.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and has a mild flavor that works well on pizza.

• thinly sliced red onion - Substitute with thinly sliced shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to red onions, which can add a different depth of flavor.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery taste and can be used as a garnish similar to cilantro.

• Allow the BBQ chicken pizza to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped slices in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Store the pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, place the wrapped slices in the freezer, where they can be kept for up to 2 months.
• To reheat refrigerated slices, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• For frozen slices, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that the crust may not be as crispy as oven-reheated slices.
• To maintain the crispiness of the crust, consider using a pizza stone or a cast-iron skillet when reheating in the oven. Preheat the stone or skillet in the oven before placing the pizza slices on it.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover BBQ chicken pizza on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from getting too hard. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. This method ensures the crust remains crispy and the toppings are heated evenly.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza slice in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. This method is quick and keeps the crust nice and crunchy.

• Microwave Method: Place a microwave-safe plate in the microwave with a cup of water next to it. This helps keep the pizza from drying out. Heat the pizza slice on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. While this method is the fastest, it may result in a softer crust.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slice in the air fryer basket and heat for about 3-5 minutes. This method gives you a crispy crust and evenly heated toppings in a short amount of time.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza slice directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. This method is convenient and effective for reheating small portions.

• Oven: Used to bake the pizza at the specified temperature of 450°F (230°C).

• Baking sheet: Surface on which the pizza dough is rolled out and baked.

• Rolling pin: Helps in rolling out the pizza dough evenly.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the bbq sauce and shredded chicken accurately.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the mozzarella cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Knife: Essential for thinly slicing the red onion and chopping the cilantro.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the red onion and chopping the cilantro.

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the bbq sauce evenly over the dough.

• Pizza cutter: Used to slice the pizza into serving pieces once it is baked.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when removing the hot baking sheet from the oven.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast from scratch.

Pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made dough: Utilize store-bought pizza dough to skip the dough-making process.

Pre-sliced onions: Purchase pre-sliced red onions to avoid additional slicing.

Batch prep: Prepare multiple pizza bases and toppings in advance and freeze them for future use.