This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza! It’s topped with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and drizzled with tangy BBQ sauce that everyone loves.
I could eat this pizza for every meal! The mix of flavors is just delicious. And let’s be real, who can resist crispy bacon? Perfect for pizza night with friends! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use homemade dough if you enjoy baking, but store-bought dough is a great time-saver. If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free pizza dough option at your local grocery store or try a cauliflower crust for a lighter version.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. It saves you cooking time and adds great flavor. If you have leftover grilled chicken or turkey, feel free to use that. For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce for a personal touch! If you want a healthier option, look for sauces with lower sugar content or try making your own. Classic tomato sauce or even buffalo sauce could be nice alternatives if you like a kick.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for its melting quality. For extra flavor, mix in some sharp cheddar or gouda. If you’re dairy-free, use a vegan cheese alternative that melts well.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds crunch and flavor. If you want a healthier option, try turkey bacon or crispy chickpeas for a plant-based crunch. You can also skip the meat altogether!
How Do I Get My Pizza Dough Just Right?
Rolling out pizza dough can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it! First, make sure the dough is at room temperature to make it more manageable. Always flour your surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Start by pressing the dough into a flat disk with your fingers.
- Gently roll from the center outwards, rotating the dough as you go for even thickness.
- If it shrinks back, let it rest for a few minutes before rolling again.
- For a crispy edge, make sure your baking sheet is well-greased or lined with parchment paper.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza can be made in about 10 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking, totaling around 25-30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This ensures that your pizza bakes nicely and gets that perfect crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Next, take a large baking sheet and grease it with olive oil. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Either way works great!
3. Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to fit the size of your baking sheet. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—just stretch it gently to cover the sheet.
4. Mix the BBQ Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with ½ cup of barbecue sauce. Stir well to make sure all the chicken is coated evenly with the sauce.
5. Add the Cheese:
Now it’s time to add some cheese! Spread the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pizza dough. This will be the delicious base for your toppings.
6. Layer on the Toppings:
Distribute the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle on the chopped bacon and sliced red onion. Get creative with the arrangement—it should look beautiful!
7. Season:
Before baking, add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance all the flavors in your pizza.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake your pizza for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the crust is cooked through.
9. Add Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. If you like, drizzle a little more barbecue sauce on top for extra flavor!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for freshness and color before slicing your pizza. Serve warm and enjoy each cheesy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just choose a flavor profile you enjoy, and feel free to experiment with different brands for variety. If you prefer a spicier kick, look for sauces labeled “spicy” or “hot.”
What If I Don’t Have Pizza Dough?
No problem! You can substitute pizza dough with pre-made naan, pita bread, or even a tortilla for a thinner crust. Just adjust the baking time accordingly as those options may cook faster than traditional dough.
How to Store Leftover Pizza
To store leftovers, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore that delicious crispiness!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your pizza with other toppings like jalapeños for heat, bell peppers for crunch, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just be mindful not to overload it, as it could affect the cooking time and the integrity of the crust.
