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Instructions for BBQ Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cook the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it using two forks or chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss in BBQ sauce: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with about ½ cup of BBQ sauce. This will infuse the chicken with that smoky, tangy flavor.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up to ensure a crispy crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. If you prefer a thin, crispy crust, roll it out thinner. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the top of the dough with a small amount of olive oil to help it crisp up in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the BBQ sauce: Using a spoon or a brush, spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add the BBQ chicken: Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken over the sauce.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-covered. The mozzarella will melt to create a gooey, delicious layer, while the cheddar adds extra richness and flavor.
- Add the onions and bell peppers: Scatter the thinly sliced red onions and bell peppers (if using) over the pizza for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven on the pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Check the crust: If you’re using a pizza stone, the bottom of the pizza should be crispy and golden. If you’re using a baking sheet, make sure to check the bottom by lifting the pizza slightly with a spatula.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Add cilantro: After removing the pizza from the oven, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herby contrast to the richness of the BBQ sauce.
- Slice and serve: Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot. You can serve it with a side of extra BBQ sauce for dipping if you like it saucy!
Tips and Variations
- Spicy kick: For an extra zing, add some jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the pizza before baking.
- Add bacon: For a smoky touch, top the pizza with cooked and crumbled bacon along with the chicken.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a delicious veggie BBQ pizza.
- Homemade dough: If you have time, try making your own pizza dough from scratch for a truly homemade experience. There are plenty of simple recipes online for pizza dough, and you can prepare it ahead of time.
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a game-changer, combining the best flavors of tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese—all on a crispy, golden crust. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends and family. The beauty of this recipe is that you can adapt it to your taste with different toppings, making it a versatile and go-to pizza option.
So the next time you’re in the mood for something deliciously different, try making this BBQ Chicken Pizza and enjoy the flavors of BBQ in pizza form.
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