Barbecue chicken pizza is a delicious pizza variation that combines the zesty flavors of barbecue sauce and grilled chicken. This pizza is topped with barbecue sauce, mozzarella cheese, grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro, giving it a sweet, tangy, and savory flavor profile. The combination of smoky barbecue flavor and melted cheese is simply mouthwatering. Let’s explore in detail what makes barbecue chicken pizza so tasty and addictive.
Introduction to Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Barbecue chicken pizza starts with a cheese pizza crust layered with zesty barbecue sauce. Shredded or diced grilled chicken is added on top along with mozzarella cheese, which melts deliciously into the barbecue sauce. Sliced red onions provide a nice crunch and tangy accent to the chicken and sauce. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note.
The result is a pizza bursting with sweet and smoky barbecue flavor balanced by melted cheesy goodness. The chicken provides protein while the onions and cilantro cut through the richness. Barbecue chicken pizza is a creative spin on classic cheese pizza that packs some exciting new flavors. It’s got something for everyone – barbecue fans, chicken lovers, and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Reasons Why BBQ Chicken Pizza is So Tasty
There are several reasons why barbecue chicken pizza is such an insanely delicious combination:
1. Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is truly the star of the show here. Slathered generously over the cheesy pizza crust, barbecue sauce infuses the whole pizza with its signature sweet and smoky essence. The tomato-based sauce often contains molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, and warm spices like mustard, garlic, chili powder, and paprika. These ingredients give barbecue sauce its addictive depth of flavor.
Barbecue sauce has an uncanny ability to make everything it touches taste amazing. On pizza, it soaks deliciously into the crust while lending softness and moisture to the chicken. The tangy tomato base forms the perfect complement to melted, gooey mozzarella.
2. Grilled Chicken
Diced or shredded grilled chicken breast provides hearty chunks of smoky protein and pairs perfectly with barbecue sauce. Grilling imparts a lovely charred flavor to the chicken while keeping it tender and juicy. The upfront hit of savory chicken contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
Pre-cooking the chicken breast before adding it to the pizza ensures it will be cooked through when the pizza bakes. Under the high heat of the oven, the chicken pieces develop an even deeper char and smokiness. Their softened texture readily absorbs all the sticky barbecue deliciousness surrounding them.
3. Melted Mozzarella Cheese
No pizza is complete without the crowning glory of melted cheese. On a barbecue chicken pizza, gooey mozzarella beautifully bridges the smoky, tangy flavors. As the cheese melts, it forms stretchy strings that bind everything together into cheesy bliss.
The melted mozzarella provides a creamy texture to contrast with the chicken, onions, and crunch of the crust. Cheese also adds a hit of saltiness to balance the sweetness of the barbecue sauce. Oozing and browned in spots from the hot oven, melted mozzarella cheese puts barbecue chicken pizza over the top.
4. Sliced Red Onions
While they are optional, sliced red onions are highly recommended for barbecue chicken pizza. Red onion wedges add pleasant oniony crunch and tang. They cut through the richness of the cheese, chicken, and barbecue sauce.
Onions also provide color contrast to please the eyes as well as the taste buds. Charred and softened a bit from baking, the onions nicely round out the medley of flavors and textures going on. A handful of fresh minced white onion stirred into the barbecue sauce can also accentuate the onion flavor.
5. Fresh Cilantro
No barbecue chicken pizza is complete without a scattering of fresh cilantro. Both a garnish and an ingredient, cilantro adds a welcome freshness. Its lemony astringency and herbal flavor cleanse the palate with each bite of this decadent pizza.
Cilantro also provides aesthetic appeal sprinkled over the sauced surface. The green brightness of cilantro leaves contrasts beautifully with the orange barbecue sauce and browned cheese. The colors come together like a mouthwatering picnic tableau begging to be devoured.
How to Make the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
Now that your mouth is watering for a taste, let’s learn how to craft the perfect barbecue chicken pizza right at home. While you can always order barbecue chicken pizza from a restaurant, nothing beats the flavor of homemade. With the right ingredients and techniques, your homemade version can taste even better than delivery.
Choose the Right Pizza Crust
A good pizza is only as good as its crust. For barbecue chicken pizza, a medium-thick crust with some chew works best. Thin and crispy crust can’t contain all the toppings, while an overly thick crust overpowers them.
You can make your own pizza dough, use store-bought dough, or buy a pre-made crust. Hand tossed or pan pizza crusts both work well. Just ensure the crust can hold up to the barbecue sauce without getting soggy.
For the absolute best results, make the dough yourself. This gives you control over ingredients and thickness. You can even add herbs, garlic, or cheese right into the dough for extra flavor.
Load Up on the Cheese
When it comes to the cheese for barbecue chicken pizza, mozzarella is must. Whole milk mozzarella offers the creamiest, richest melt and flavor. Shredded mozzarella is easiest to spread evenly over the crust.
For even cheesier results, use a blend of mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack. A sprinkling of Parmesan or shredded cheddar can also provide a tasty accent. Just be sure not to overdo it on the cheese or it may overpower the other flavors.
Choose Your Barbecue Sauce Wisely
Obviously, the barbecue sauce has a big impact on this pizza. Opt for a quality pre-made brand like Stubb’s or Sweet Baby Ray’s. For the most authentic flavor, whip up your own barbecue sauce from scratch.
Tomato-based sauces pair best with the cheese and chicken. Sweeter, smokier sauces like hickory and brown sugar work especially well. Spicier sauces can overwhelm the other components. Apply the sauce judiciously so it doesn’t drown out the other flavors.
Grill the Chicken Perfectly
Pre-cooking the chicken is imperative for fully cooked, tender bits in the finished pizza. Grilling imparts smoky depth while ensuring even cooking. aim for charred exterior with a moist interior.
Boneless chicken breasts should be grilled whole, then chopped or shredded after cooking. Season simply with salt, pepper, and a little oil. Grill 4-5 minutes per side over direct medium heat. Let rest before cutting to seal in juices.
For even more flavor, marinate the chicken first. Try zesty herb marinades, lemon juice, garlic, chili powder, or Italian dressing. Just avoid sugary sauces that will burn.
Include Fresh Toppings
While the chicken, sauce, and cheese are the pizza’s foundation, fresh toppings make it even more incredible. As mentioned, red onions and cilantro are musts.
Other fantastic options include sliced scallions, pickled jalapeños, crushed pineapple, sliced bell peppers, and chopped tomato. Just don’t let toppings overwhelm the star ingredients. Keep it simple for ideal barbecue chicken pizza flavor.
Take It Easy on the Toppings
A common barbecue chicken pizza mistake is overloading the pie with too many toppings. Stick with the essentials – sauce, cheese, chicken, onions, cilantro – then add just a couple complementary toppings if desired.
Too many conflicting flavors and ingredients will make your pizza taste muddled. Plus, excess toppings weigh down the crust and prevent even baking. Aim for balanced, harmonious flavors by practicing restraint with additional toppings.
How to Bake Barbecue Chicken Pizza to Perfection
Once your ingredients are prepared, it’s time for the fun part: putting it all together and baking! Use these tips for assembling and baking a barbecue chicken pizza worthy of a wood-fired pizza oven:
- Start by spreading sauce over the crust, leaving about 1⁄2 inch around the edge bare. This “bones” helps contain the sauce as it melts.
- Next, sprinkle on grated mozzarella to adhere the toppings. Follow with an even layer of grilled chicken.
- Arrange sliced onion and any other toppings evenly over the pie.
- Finish with a generous sprinkling of minced fresh cilantro.
- Bake the pizza on the bottom rack of a very hot oven, 500°F if possible. This crisps up the crust.
- Check frequently and pull it once the cheese is fully melted and just starting to brown in spots, 5-8 minutes usually.
- Let the pizza sit 1-2 minutes before slicing for easier serving.
- Slice and serve immediately for the best texture and flavors!
Baking this pizza at a high temperature is key for melting the cheese while keeping the crust crispy. Keep an eye on it since burnt cheese or crust are undesirable. For more even baking, rotate the pan midway through cooking.
Tips for Making Leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza Even Better
Like many foods, barbecue chicken pizza tastes best hot and fresh. But mouthwatering leftovers are one of the perks of homemade pizza. Follow these tips for reviving leftover slices:
- Reheat individual slices in a skillet over medium-low heat instead of the microwave which can ruin the texture.
- Sprinkle a little extra cheese over the top during reheating so it melts again.
- Add a drizzle of warmed barbecue sauce and extra cilantro just before serving.
- To keep the crust crispy, reheat the slice cheese-side up on a rack under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
- Pair reheated pizza with a fresh green salad to offset the richness.
- For a more complete meal, serve with baked beans, coleslaw, or potato wedges.
- Stuff leftover pizza and toppings into a wrap or sandwich for an inventive new creation.
- Chop up leftovers to make a unique barbecue chicken pizza-inspired salad.
With just a little creativity and TLC, leftover barbecue chicken pizza can be even more crave-worthy than the original. Almost nothing gets thrown out in the pizza world!
Creative Ways to Customize Your BBQ Chicken Pizza
While the classic recipe is undeniably amazing, barbecue chicken pizza also invites creativity. Use these ideas to customize your pie with mix-ins and toppings that complement the core ingredients:
- Infuse smoky flavor right into the crust by adding chipotle chile powder or smoked paprika to the dough.
- Stir diced grilled onions or peppers into the barbecue sauce for a built-in topping.
- Swap out the chicken for pulled pork or thinly sliced smoked sausage.
- For spicy pizza, use pepper jack cheese and sprinkle on sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add a layer of corn kernels, black beans, or diced pineapple for texture.
- Try brushing the crust with a flavored oil like garlic or chili.
- Top with fresh avocado chunks, crumbled bacon, or ribbons of basil.
- Grill slices of eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms instead of chicken for vegan pizza.
Endlessly versatile, barbecue chicken pizza welcomes all manner of flavors. Use leftover roast chicken or turkey for an easy substitution too. Get creative with mix-ins and toppings to put your own personal spin on this pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Pizza
Barbecue chicken pizza fanatics often have pressing questions about crafting the perfect pie. Below are helpful answers to some FAQs:
Should I use shredded or diced chicken?
This comes down to personal preference. Shredded chicken distributes evenly and absorbs more sauce. Pieces of diced chicken provide more distinct bites with charred corners. Combining the two gives you the best of both!
Is it better to marinate the chicken first?
Marinating adds lots of flavor but isn’t mandatory. At minimum, season the chicken with salt, pepper and a little oil before grilling. Quick marinades include Italian dressing, lemon juice and garlic, teriyaki sauce, or pesto.
What’s the ideal thickness for the pizza crust?
A hand-tossed medium-thick crust about 1⁄4-inch thick works best. Thin crust won’t contain hefty barbecue chicken toppings while thick crust overshadows them. Striking this balance is key.
Does the order of toppings matter?
Yes! Sauce first helps protect the crust. Cheese second glues everything down. Toppings next. Chicken never goes directly on the crust. And cilantro last prevents burning.
How can I customize my barbecue chicken pizza?
Endless options! Try pineapple, cheddar cheese, red peppers, smoked sausage instead of chicken, cayenne pepper in the sauce, pepperoni under the cheese, garlic crust, etc.
What sides go well with barbecue chicken pizza?
Cool, crunchy sides balance the pizza beautifully. Try a green salad, coleslaw, dill potato salad, bean salad, fresh fruit, or pickled vegetables. Chips and dip also pair perfectly.
Should I pre-bake the crust first before adding toppings?
Pre-baking isn’t mandatory but can help ensure a crispy crust, especially if your dough or crust is thick. For thinner crusts, you can stack toppings first then bake.
Conclusion
Barbecue chicken pizza is a brilliant culinary mashup that deserves a spot in the pizza hall of fame. Sweet smoky barbecue sauce, melted mozzarella, juicy grilled chicken, and bright fresh cilantro combine for a flavor bomb certain to please any crowd. Making your own barbecue chicken pizza at home lets you personalize it just how you like.
Use high-quality ingredients and follow baking tips for the perfect balance of tastes and textures in each bite. Barbecue chicken pizza also reheats exceptionally well. And creative tweaks like spicy sauce or alternate toppings keep this classic feeling new and fun.
Loaded with protein, flavor, and customization potential, barbecue chicken pizza scores off the charts on satisfaction. Whether enjoying it on a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon picnic, barbecue chicken pizza always rises to the occasion thanks to its irresistible medley of flavors. This sauce-drizzled pie delivers indulgence, comfort, and finger-licking delight all in one cheesy package.
So fire up the grill and get ready to savor the magic synergy of barbecue and pizza. Barbecue chicken pizza is calling your name for a zesty, meaty, crowd-pleasing feast to remember.