Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza

$- 1 pre-made pizza dough or 1 pound homemade pizza dough - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (spicy or regular) - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for extra heat) - 1 teaspoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste For the dough, I love using brands like Pillsbury or Trader Joe's. They offer great taste and save time. If you're making it at home, use high-quality flour. For BBQ sauce, Sweet Baby Ray's is a crowd-pleaser. It pairs well with chicken. For cheese, I recommend part-skim mozzarella. It melts well and keeps the pizza light. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, so grab the freshest bunch you can find. If you want a lighter option, try using grilled tofu instead of chicken. For a different sauce, you can use ranch dressing or hot sauce. If red onion isn't your favorite, green onions work just as well. You can swap mozzarella for cheddar or even goat cheese for a unique twist. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust. First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This heat helps make a crispy crust. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats. For the dough, you can use store-bought or make your own. If you pick homemade dough, roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for your favorite thickness. If using store-bought, stretch it out to fit your stone or baking sheet. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Make sure all the chicken gets coated well. This step is key for flavor. You can use spicy BBQ sauce for more heat or regular for a milder taste. If you want extra spice, slice a jalapeño to add later. Now, spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the dough. Leave a small edge around the border. Evenly place the BBQ chicken on top. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Add the sliced red onion for a nice crunch. If you like it spicy, place the jalapeño slices on top. Bake the pizza in the oven for about 12-15 minutes. Look for a golden crust and bubbly cheese. When it's ready, take it out and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top, add salt and pepper, and slice it up. Enjoy your spicy BBQ chicken pizza! For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. For the best pizza dough, start with a clean surface. If you use pre-made dough, let it sit for 15 minutes. This helps it stretch better. If you make your own, knead it well. A good dough has a smooth texture. Roll it out to your desired thickness. A thicker crust gives you a chewy bite. A thinner crust gets crispy. To bake your pizza perfectly, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, put it in the oven while it heats. This helps the crust get crispy. Once the oven is hot, bake your pizza for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese; it should be bubbly and slightly golden. If the edges brown too fast, lower the temperature. Seasoning is key to a tasty pizza. Use salt and pepper on the chicken and veggies. This enhances their natural flavors. If you love heat, add cayenne or chili flakes. Fresh herbs like cilantro add brightness. You can also mix spices into the BBQ sauce for extra kick. Try garlic powder or smoked paprika. These simple tips will make your spicy BBQ chicken pizza sing with flavor! {{image_2}} You can mix up your spicy BBQ chicken pizza by adding different toppings. Try using bacon bits for a smoky flavor. Bell peppers add a nice crunch, and corn brings sweetness. For a gourmet touch, add goat cheese or blue cheese. You can even use pineapple for a sweet twist that balances the spice. If you need a gluten-free option, there are great pre-made crusts available. Cauliflower crust is a popular choice. It’s lower in carbs and still tasty. You can make your own by mixing riced cauliflower with cheese and eggs. This way, you enjoy the same great flavors without the gluten. To adjust the spice, change the BBQ sauce. Use a milder sauce if you prefer less heat. You can also add more or fewer jalapeños. If you want to crank up the heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce. This way, you can create the perfect spicy BBQ chicken pizza to suit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the section above. You can keep leftover spicy BBQ chicken pizza in the fridge. Place slices in an airtight container. Make sure they cool first. This keeps the crust from getting soggy. Leftover pizza stays fresh for about three to four days. When you’re ready to eat, reheating is key. Use an oven for the best taste. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 to 12 minutes. This warms the pizza and makes the crust crispy. You can also use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Place a slice in the pan and cover it. This method warms the bottom and keeps it crispy. Freezing is a great option for meal prep. First, let the pizza cool completely. Then, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. You can freeze pizza for up to two months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the reheating steps. This way, you'll enjoy your spicy BBQ chicken pizza anytime! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. You can easily make your pizza unique. Try adding different toppings. Here are some ideas: - Cheese: Use gouda or pepper jack for extra flavor. - Veggies: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more texture. - Protein: Swap chicken for pulled pork or beef for a twist. - Sauce: Mix BBQ sauce with ranch or hot sauce for a new taste. Mix and match these options to fit your taste! BBQ chicken pizza pairs well with many sides. Consider these options: - Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette is a great choice. - Wings: Serve spicy wings for a fun meal combo. - Dips: Try ranch or blue cheese dip on the side. - Drinks: Pair with iced tea or a light beer for balance. These sides will make your meal more enjoyable. You can keep leftover pizza in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To store it: - Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. - Label the container with the date to track freshness. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat your pizza. Enjoy it warm for the best taste! For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for BBQ chicken pizza, including recommended brands and substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your dough, and ways to enhance flavor. We also looked at tasty variations, options for crusts, and smart storage tips. Now you’re ready to make a delicious BBQ chicken pizza that suits your taste. Enjoy the process and the wonderful flavors you create! Dive in and have fun making your own version at home!$

Unleash your culinary creativity with this spicy BBQ chicken pizza recipe! Featuring tender shredded chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and melty mozzarella, this homemade pizza is a flavor-packed delight. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, it's easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. Click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and impress your friends and family with a delicious homemade treat!

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Ingredients

1 pre-made pizza dough or 1 pound homemade pizza dough

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (spicy or regular)

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for extra heat)

1 teaspoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for optimal pizza baking. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven as it preheats.

Prepare the Dough: If you're using homemade dough, roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. If using store-bought, simply stretch it out to fit your pizza stone or baking sheet.

Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

Assemble the Pizza: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken on top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced red onion. If you like it spicy, add the jalapeño slices on top.

Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven (on the pizza stone or baking sheet) and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and season with salt and pepper to taste before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4