This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a tasty mix of flavors! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a sweet BBQ sauce come together on a cheesy crust. Yum!
When I make this pizza, the smell drives everyone wild. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a fun dinner night with friends and family—no one can resist a slice! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: A pre-made dough is super convenient, but you can also make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. If gluten-free is what you need, many stores offer gluten-free pizza crust options too.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease and flavor. You can also use leftover chicken or even shredded canned chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try using mushrooms or grilled zucchini instead!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this pizza. If you prefer homemade, mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. You can swap it for a spicy sauce if you like some heat!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that classic pizza pull, but you can mix it up with cheddar, gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese if needed. Just make sure it’s shredded for even melting.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch, but turkey bacon or plant-based bacon are good substitutes for those looking for lighter options. You can even skip it altogether for a healthier pizza!
How Do I Get the Crust Perfectly Crispy?
A crispy crust is key to a great pizza! To achieve this, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven thoroughly before baking — the hotter, the better!
- Brushing the crust with olive oil helps it crisp up nicely. Don’t skip this step.
- Once rolled out, make sure the dough fits snugly on the baking sheet. Too much stretch could lead to sogginess.
- Keep an eye on the pizza in the last few minutes of baking; ovens can vary, and you want that golden crust.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (can use rotisserie)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza will take about 15 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total of around 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This will ensure your pizza cooks perfectly and gets a nice golden crust.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your pre-made pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. You want it to be just the right size to fit your baking sheet. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; just make it fit!
3. Assemble the Pizza Base:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a greased baking sheet. Then, brush the top lightly with olive oil to add flavor and help it crisp up.
4. Sauce it Up:
Spread half of the BBQ sauce over the dough, remembering to keep a little border around the edges for the crust. This adds flavor without making it too messy!
5. Add the Chicken:
Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the BBQ sauce. This is what gives the pizza its heartiness!
6. Top with Bacon:
Now, sprinkle the chopped bacon over the chicken. Bacon makes everything better, right?
7. Scatter the Onions:
Evenly distribute the thinly sliced red onion across the top. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.
8. Cheese, Please:
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the pizza. Aim for even coverage so that every bite is cheesy!
9. Drizzle More Sauce:
Take the remaining BBQ sauce and drizzle it on top of the cheese. This adds extra flavor and makes it look delicious!
10. Bake the Pizza:
Pop your pizza into the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is bubbly and the crust turns golden brown.
11. Cool and Slice:
Once the pizza is out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then slice it up into your preferred portions. You might need to resist the urge to dive in right away!
12. Garnish and Season:
Finish off your pizza with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. Add salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to go!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Your BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is now ready to be served hot. Enjoy every slice with friends or family!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce saves time, but feel free to choose your favorite brand or even a homemade version for a personal touch. Just remember, different sauces can vary in sweetness and spice level, so taste as you go to find the right balance for your pizza.
What If I Don’t Have Pizza Dough?
No problem! You can use other options like naan, pita bread, or even a cauliflower pizza crust for a low-carb alternative. Just adjust the baking time as needed, usually less for thinner crusts like naan, around 8-10 minutes!
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or use a microwave for a quicker option, although the crust might not stay as crispy.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your pizza with toppings like bell peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and cheese to avoid making the pizza too heavy or soggy. Enjoy experimenting!
