This Easy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a tasty treat! With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and sweet BBQ sauce, it’s sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s simple to put together!
You can make this pizza for a fun family night or game day. I love to pile on extra cheese because more is always better, right? 🍕 Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use pre-made or store-bought dough for convenience. If you prefer homemade, a simple dough using flour, water, and yeast works great too!
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a delicious choice! It saves time and adds extra flavor. If you don’t have chicken, shredded turkey or even canned chicken work in a pinch.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor to the pizza. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a great substitute. You could also use pancetta for a different taste!
Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, adding cheddar gives extra cheesiness. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a kick!
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. For a tangy twist, try adding a splash of hot sauce or using a sweeter sauce for kids’ pallets.
How Do I Achieve a Crispy Pizza Crust?
Getting a crispy crust can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature (425°F/220°C) to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil before adding your toppings. This helps prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overload the pizza with too many toppings. A balanced amount keeps the crust from becoming heavy.
- Consider par-baking the empty dough for about 5-7 minutes before adding toppings to ensure it crisps up nicely.
Easy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or store-bought crust)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for brushing crust)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pizza takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to bake. So, in just about 25-30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Don’t forget to lightly grease or line your baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it carefully to your baking sheet or pizza stone. A thinner crust means a crispier pizza!
3. Oil Up the Crust:
Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy crust we all love.
4. Spread the BBQ Sauce:
Pour 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the dough and use a spoon to spread it evenly. Remember to leave a small border around the edges for the crust.
5. Add the Chicken:
Next, evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the BBQ sauced area. Fun fact: you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for added flavor!
6. Crumble the Bacon:
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the chicken. More bacon means more flavor, so feel free to add extra!
7. Cheese It Up:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything, and if you’re feeling cheesy, add the shredded cheddar cheese too!
8. Add the Red Onions:
Scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the cheese for some zesty flavor. They add a nice crunch!
9. Season It:
Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the top to enhance the flavors.
10. Bake It:
Pop your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and the crust turns golden brown.
11. Drizzle & Garnish:
Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven and drizzle a bit of extra BBQ sauce over the top if you like. It adds a nice touch!
12. Serve It Up:
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for color and flavor. Slice up your pizza and serve it warm. Enjoy your scrumptious BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza!
FAQ for Easy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat pizza dough, gluten-free crust, or even tortillas for a thinner option. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary depending on the crust type.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
The possibilities are endless! You can add bell peppers, jalapeños for some heat, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just be sure not to overload it to keep the crust crispy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
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 for the best results!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance and assemble the pizza right before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it fully, let it cool, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it!
