This Easy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza night! It features tender chicken, crispy bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese all topped on a crispy crust.
Every bite is a party in your mouth! I love making it on busy nights; it’s super quick and your family will think you’re a pizza genius. Just don’t forget the extra napkins! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but homemade tastes great too! If gluten-free is a must, look for gluten-free pizza dough options at your grocery store.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick option. You can also use leftover chicken from a previous meal to reduce prep time. For a vegetarian option, swap in mushrooms or a meat substitute.
Bacon: While cooked bacon adds a nice crunch, turkey bacon or even crispy prosciutto can be good alternatives if you’re looking to lighten things up.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to try pepper jack or gouda for a twist. If you want a dairy-free option, there are plant-based cheese varieties available now that melt well.
Barbecue Sauce: For a different flavor, try a spicy barbecue sauce or a homemade version using ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. You can also use pizza sauce if BBQ is not your thing!
How Do You Get the Perfect Golden Crust?
Getting that desired golden crust can be achieved with a few simple steps. Here’s how:
- Start with a hot oven; preheating is essential. The temperature should be at least 425°F (220°C).
- Use a pizza stone or a well-oiled baking sheet to help create a crispy bottom.
- Brush the edges of your pizza with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps achieve that golden color.
- Don’t rush; let it bake until the cheese is bubbly and the crust has that beautiful color. Typically, this takes about 12-15 minutes.
These tips will help ensure your pizza has a delicious crust that’s sure to please everyone! Enjoy making your BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza! 🍕
Easy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Ingredients:
- For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, enough for a 12×16 inch rectangular pizza)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Olive oil (for brushing crust)
- Optional: garlic powder and black pepper to season chicken
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza can be made in about 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking. Including prep and cooking, you’ll have your BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza ready in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your pizza will have a nice, crispy crust. Meanwhile, lightly oil or line a large baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your pizza dough on the prepared baking sheet into a rectangle, roughly 12×16 inches. Brush the outer edges lightly with olive oil to promote a beautifully golden crust while baking.
3. Add the Sauce:
Spread the 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce evenly over the dough. Leave a small border around the edges for the crust—this will help keep all those delicious toppings from spilling over!
4. Layer the Toppings:
Distribute the shredded chicken and chopped bacon evenly over the barbecue sauce. You want every slice to have lots of flavor. Then, scatter the thinly sliced red onions on top.
5. Cheese It Up:
Next, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and optional Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the toppings. Cheese is what makes this pizza extra gooey and delicious!
6. Bake It:
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end!
7. Final Touches:
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and, if desired, drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
8. Slice and Serve:
Slice your delicious BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza into squares (or triangles) and serve warm. Enjoy every bite!
This pizza is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Pizza?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will work perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go!
How Can I Make This Pizza Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this pizza gluten-free by using a gluten-free pizza crust. Many grocery stores offer pre-made gluten-free options, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour blends.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up or place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for a crispy crust.
Can I Freeze This Pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the pizza before baking! Assemble it as usual, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the freezer, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then bake as directed.
