This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a party on a plate! With crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a tangy BBQ sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Don’t forget the gooey cheese—it’s the best part! I love making this for game nights; it’s easy to share and always disappears fast. 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Crust: A store-bought crust simplifies things, but homemade dough can add a personal touch. If you need a gluten-free option, consider a cauliflower crust or any gluten-free pizza base available at stores.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my favorite for this recipe. It’s quick and full of flavor. You could also use leftover grilled chicken or even turkey if you prefer.
BBQ Sauce: This is key for flavor! Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you love – sweet, tangy, or smoky. You could also make your own if you’re up for it, using ketchup, vinegar, and spices!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that classic pizza stretch, while cheddar adds sharpness. If you want to mix it up, Monterey Jack or even a dairy-free cheese works nicely!
Bacon: Use regular, turkey bacon, or even crispy pancetta for a different flavor. You can also replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian twist.
Cilantro: This adds freshness at the end. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley or green onions are great substitutes that still offer a pop of color.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Pizza Crust?
The base of any great pizza is its crust! A few tips can help you nail it. First, ensure the oven is preheated to 425°F (220°C) to get that nice crisp. Roll the dough out thinly; think of a pan pizza rather than a thick crust for better texture.
- Flour your surface to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the rolled-out crust carefully to a baking sheet or stone.
- Leave a little space around the edges for the crust to rise without spilling over.
With a crispy base, you can really enjoy all the toppings on your BBQ chicken bacon pizza!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pizza takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, totaling around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will make sure your pizza cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Pizza Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza crust to your desired thickness. You can make it thin and crispy or thick and chewy—whatever you like! Once rolled out, transfer the crust to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
3. Mix the BBQ Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with half of the BBQ sauce. Mix it well until the chicken is nicely coated in the sauce. This will add great flavor to your pizza!
4. Add the Sauce to the Crust:
Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza crust. Make sure to leave a little space at the edges for that delicious crust!
5. Assemble the Toppings:
Now, distribute the BBQ chicken mixture over the sauced crust. Then sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Add Bacon and Onions:
Scatter the crumbled bacon and thinly sliced red onions across the cheese. This will give your pizza an extra crunch and yummy flavor!
7. Season and Drizzle:
Drizzle a little olive oil over everything and season with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance all the flavors!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to get your perfect level of crispness!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once the pizza is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps avoid burning your mouth on the hot cheese! Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh touch.
10. Slice and Serve:
Now, slice your pizza into pieces and serve it hot. Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken bacon pizza with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pizza Crust?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pizza crust you prefer—store-bought or homemade. Options like whole wheat, gluten-free, or cauliflower crusts work great too! Just adjust the cooking time if your crust requires it.
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing for up to 2 months.
What if I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute BBQ sauce with a mix of ketchup and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, try using a homemade sauce with tomato sauce, brown sugar, and spices to mimic that BBQ taste!
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple for an extra twist. Just remember to pre-cook any raw vegetables before adding them to your pizza to ensure they’re tender when it’s baked.
