BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

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

Bbq sauce: Adds a smoky and sweet flavor to the pizza.

Shredded cooked chicken breast: Provides a protein-rich topping.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give a gooey, cheesy layer.

Red onion: Adds a bit of crunch and a slight sharpness.

Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a burst of flavor and color.

When preparing your pizza dough, ensure it is at room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it more pliable and easier to shape. Additionally, for a crispier crust, consider pre-baking the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the bbq sauce and toppings. This helps to prevent a soggy bottom and ensures a perfectly cooked pizza.

• 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 complements the other ingredients well.

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

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

• sliced red onion - Substitute with sliced shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to red onions.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with chopped parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous note similar to cilantro but without the distinct cilantro flavor that some people find soapy.

• Allow the BBQ chicken pizza to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy.

• For short-term storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. This keeps the pizza fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing. First, place the cooled pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This prevents the slices from sticking together.

• Once the slices are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. The pizza can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat refrigerated slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• For frozen slices, reheat directly from the freezer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is thoroughly melted.

• Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a microwave for a quick option. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.

• To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave for too long, as it can make the crust chewy. For a crispier crust, use the oven or a toaster oven.

• If you have leftover BBQ sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This can be used to refresh the pizza before reheating or as a dipping sauce.

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover BBQ chicken pizza on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

• Use a skillet on medium heat. Place the pizza slice in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the crust doesn't burn. This method helps keep the crust crispy while melting the cheese.

• For a quick reheat, use a microwave. Place a cup of water in the microwave alongside the pizza slice to keep it from drying out. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may result in a softer crust.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza slice in the basket and heat for 3-4 minutes. This method ensures a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese.

• Use a toaster oven set to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza slice directly on the rack or on a piece of foil. Heat for about 5-8 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.

• Oven: Used to bake the pizza at the specified temperature until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

• Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness on a floured surface.

• Floured surface: Provides a non-stick area to roll out the pizza dough.

• Pizza stone or baking sheet: Used to place the pizza on for baking in the oven.

• Pizza peel: Assists in transferring the pizza to and from the oven if using a pizza stone.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the bbq sauce, shredded chicken, and mozzarella cheese accurately.

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

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing and chopping ingredients.

• Mixing bowl: Can be used to mix the shredded chicken with some bbq sauce if desired for extra flavor.

• Spatula or spoon: Helps to spread the bbq sauce evenly over the pizza dough.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the pizza in the oven and removing it once baked.

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

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast.

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

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

Pre-sliced onions: Purchase pre-sliced red onions from the grocery store to save chopping time.

Quick cilantro prep: Use kitchen scissors to quickly snip cilantro directly over the pizza.