BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza


When it comes to pizza, there are endless possibilities, but have you ever tried a BBQ chicken crust pizza? If not, you’re in for a treat! This unique twist on a classic favorite combines the smoky, tangy goodness of barbecue sauce with the savory delight of a pizza. The result? A flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this mouthwatering BBQ chicken crust pizza. So, let’s fire up the grill and get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Crust:

  • 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

For Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1/2 cup of corn kernels (fresh or canned)
  • 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup of sliced jalapeños (for an extra kick)
  • 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks (optional, for a sweet contrast)

Instructions: Crafting the Perfect BBQ Chicken Crust Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Crust

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  • Mix everything until it forms a dough-like consistency.
  • Place parchment paper on a pizza stone or a baking sheet, and then spread the chicken mixture evenly to form the crust. Make sure it’s not too thick or too thin, about 1/4 inch is ideal.
  • Bake the chicken crust for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s firm and slightly golden.

Step 2: Add the Toppings

  • Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Spread a layer of BBQ sauce evenly over the chicken crust, leaving a small border around the edges for the “crust.”
  • Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the BBQ sauce.
  • Now, it’s time to get creative with your toppings! Add the sliced red onion, fresh cilantro leaves, crumbled bacon, corn kernels, red bell pepper, black olives, jalapeños (if you like it spicy), and pineapple chunks (if you want a sweet twist).

Step 3: Grill or Bake Again

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • If using a grill: Place the pizza directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, and the crust is crispy.
  • If using an oven: Place the pizza back in the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the chicken crust turn golden brown.

Step 4: Slice and Enjoy!

  • Carefully remove the BBQ chicken crust pizza from the grill or oven.
  • Let it cool for a minute or two to make slicing easier.
  • Slice it into wedges or squares and serve hot.

Tips for a BBQ Pizza Perfection

  • Grill Marks: If you’re grilling, achieving those perfect grill marks on your BBQ chicken crust pizza adds a delightful touch. Just rotate the pizza 90 degrees halfway through the grilling process.
  • BBQ Sauce Variation: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find the one that suits your taste buds best. Some are sweeter, while others are spicier. You can even try making your homemade BBQ sauce for a personalized touch.
  • Crust Consistency: Make sure your chicken crust is evenly spread and firm before adding the toppings. This will prevent it from becoming soggy during baking or grilling.
  • Customize: Feel free to customize your toppings to suit your preferences. This pizza is a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Variation: BBQ Chicken Crust Calzone

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not turn this BBQ chicken crust pizza into a calzone? Simply fold the chicken crust in half after adding the toppings, seal the edges, and grill or bake until it’s golden brown and deliciously crispy on the outside.

In the world of pizza, the BBQ chicken crust pizza is a revelation. It combines the best of two worlds – the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ chicken with the satisfying crunch of a pizza crust. With a variety of toppings to choose from, you can tailor this pizza to your heart’s content. So, the next time you’re craving a slice of something special, give this BBQ chicken crust pizza recipe a try. It’s a culinary adventure that’s bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy!