Chicken pizza is the perfect mix of comfort food and flavor. With a crispy crust, smoky barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and juicy chicken, it’s easy to make and always a hit. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this homemade pizza delivers big taste with minimal effort.
Why We Love This Chicken Pizza Recipe
You might wonder why chicken pizza stands out among other pizza varieties. The answer lies in its unique combination of flavors and textures. The sweet and savory notes from the barbecue sauce complement the savory goodness of the chicken. It creates a flavor profile that’s refreshing yet familiar. The two types of cheeses used—mozzarella and smoked Gouda—add creaminess and depth, making each bite a beautiful experience for your taste buds.
Chicken pizza is also customizable. You can easily adjust the toppings according to your preferences. Whether you want to add some vegetables or experiment with different sauces, the possibilities are endless. Not only that, but making this delicious pizza at home allows you to control the quality of your ingredients, ensuring a healthier option compared to takeout.
Ingredients for Chicken Pizza
To embark on this culinary journey, gather the following ingredients that will transform your kitchen into a pizzeria:
- 1 pound pizza dough – a good foundation for your pizza
- Finely ground cornmeal (for dusting) – this helps prevent sticking
- All-purpose flour (for rolling out dough) – to keep the dough manageable
- 2 teaspoons olive oil – adds richness and helps with browning
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce – the star of the show for flavor
- 1 cup low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese – for the ultimate cheesiness
- 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese – to introduce that smoky flavor
- 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped – protein that brings it all together
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion – for a touch of sharpness
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish) – brightens your dish
How to Make Chicken Pizza
Creating your homemade chicken pizza involves several steps that are simple yet rewarding. Follow these directions to ensure you craft the perfect pizza:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by arranging a rack in the bottom third of your oven. Place a heavy baking sheet upside down on this rack and preheat your oven to 450°F. This initial step is crucial for achieving that crispy crust.
- Prepare the Dough: Divide the pizza dough into two equal pieces. Dust a 12-inch piece of parchment paper with cornmeal. Take one piece of dough and stretch or roll it out into a thin 10-inch round. If you notice any stickiness, a little sprinkle of all-purpose flour will do the trick.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet: Once your dough is rolled out, carefully remove the preheated baking sheet from the oven. Using the parchment paper, slide the dough directly onto the back of the baking sheet.
- Brush and Sauce: Brush half of the olive oil over the dough. Then, spread half of the barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge.
- Layer the Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and smoked Gouda cheeses over the sauce. Add half of the chopped chicken and sliced onions on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place your assembled pizza in the oven and bake it until the edges are golden-brown and crisp, which should take approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
- Garnish and Cool: After baking, remove the pizza from the oven and garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro. Allow it to cool for about 2 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Repeat for Another Pizza: With the remaining dough and toppings, follow the same steps to create your second pizza.
How to Serve Chicken Pizza
Now that you’ve created your delicious chicken pizza, it’s all about presentation and serving. This dish is ideal for sharing, making it perfect for a party or a family meal. You can cut the pizza into wedges or squares depending on your preference.
Serve your chicken pizza with a side salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pizza. Also, consider offering additional toppings on the side, such as extra chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or even extra barbecue sauce for drizzling.
For a casual meal, place the pizzas on a wooden cutting board and let everyone help themselves. If you’re having a gathering, serve slices alongside a variety of dipping sauces. This will enhance the overall experience, making your chicken pizza more than just a meal—it becomes a social event.
Expert Tips for Chicken Pizza
While making chicken pizza is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your dish and ensure it’s a success:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference. Fresh chicken and high-quality cheese will enhance the flavor.
- Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: The combination of mozzarella and Gouda adds a beautiful gooey texture and rich taste. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your cheese-loving heart.
- Experiment with Toppings: Chicken pizza is very adaptable. Feel free to add bell peppers, jalapeños, or even pineapple for a sweet twist.
- Let the Dough Rest: If your pizza dough is resistant to stretching, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to form into your desired shape.
- Preheat Your Baking Sheet: This is key to achieving that perfect crispy crust. The hotter the surface when the dough hits it, the better your crust will turn out.
How to Store Chicken Pizza
If you find yourself with leftover chicken pizza, good for you! Storing the leftovers correctly will keep them fresh for future enjoyment. To store:
- Cooling: First, let the pizza cool completely at room temperature. This prevents moisture from accumulating, which can make the crust soggy.
- Wrapping: Wrap the leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place them in an airtight container.
- Refrigeration: Store your wrapped pizza in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3 to 4 days for the best taste.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F or until heated through. This will help revive that crispy texture.
Variations of Chicken Pizza
While this chicken pizza recipe is fantastic as-is, there is no limit to how you can customize it for different tastes and preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Swap the barbecue sauce for Buffalo sauce and add crumbled blue cheese for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Chicken Pizza: Use a pesto sauce instead of barbecue and top it with feta cheese, kalamata olives, and artichokes for a Mediterranean flair.
- Grilled Chicken Pizza: If you have a grill, consider grilling the chicken beforehand. It adds a wonderful smokiness that complements the pizza perfectly.
- Veggie-Loaded Pizza: Loading up on colorful veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach can give your chicken pizza a healthy touch.
- Sweet BBQ Chicken Pizza: Incorporate slices of fresh pineapple for a sweet contrast to the barbecue sauce.
FAQ: Chicken Pizza
What toppings can I add to my chicken pizza?
You can personalize your pizza with various toppings, including bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapeños, or even different cheeses. The beauty of pizza is its versatility.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your dough at home, feel free to do so. It can enhance the taste and give you a sense of satisfaction.
What type of chicken should I use for the pizza?
Cooked chicken breast works best, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Can I freeze leftover chicken pizza?
Yes! You can freeze slices of chicken pizza. Be sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. When you want to enjoy a slice, simply reheat it directly from frozen.
How can I make the pizza spicier?
To give your chicken pizza a spicy kick, incorporate jalapeños or drizzle some hot sauce over the top before serving.
Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
For the Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough a good foundation for your pizza
- 2 teaspoons olive oil adds richness and helps with browning
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce the star of the show for flavor
For the Toppings
- 1 cup low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese for the ultimate cheesiness
- 1 cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese to introduce that smoky flavor
- 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped protein that brings it all together
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion for a touch of sharpness
- to taste garnish chopped fresh cilantro brightens your dish
For Dusting
- as needed garnish finely ground cornmeal this helps prevent sticking
- as needed garnish all-purpose flour for rolling out dough
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and arrange a rack in the bottom third of your oven with a heavy baking sheet upside down on this rack.
- Divide the pizza dough into two equal pieces and dust a 12-inch piece of parchment paper with cornmeal. Roll out one piece into a thin 10-inch round. Use all-purpose flour if dough is sticky.
- Once the dough is rolled out, slide it onto the back of the preheated baking sheet using the parchment paper.
Assembly
- Brush half of the olive oil over the dough and spread half of the barbecue sauce over it, leaving about a 1/2-inch border.
- Layer half of the mozzarella and Gouda cheese over the sauce, add half of the chopped chicken and sliced red onion.
Baking
- Bake the pizza in the oven until the edges are golden-brown and crisp, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Cool for 2 minutes before slicing.
Repeat
- Use the remaining dough and toppings to create a second pizza by following the same steps.
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