This easy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a tasty treat! With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a sweet barbecue sauce on a cheesy crust, it’s a fun twist on pizza night.
Who can resist the combo of chicken and bacon? I love how quick this pizza comes together. Just bake, slice, and enjoy with friends—perfect for game nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use a pre-made dough for quick prep, but homemade dough is always a fun option. If you’re short on time, even a flatbread or store-bought naan could work great as a base!
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver! It’s already cooked, flavorful, and saves preparation time. If you’re vegetarian, consider using a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or artichoke hearts instead.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch. If you want to keep it healthier, turkey bacon is a good alternative. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tempeh bacon or smoked tofu – they add a nice texture!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite sauce for the best flavor. If you’re making it at home, a blend of ketchup, vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar will work. For a spicier kick, look for a chipotle barbecue sauce or add some hot sauce!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Pizza Dough is Perfectly Crispy?
To achieve a crispy pizza crust, it’s all about how you prepare it before baking. Here are some tips to get that perfect texture:
- Preheat your oven fully—it’s essential for a crispy crust. A hot oven gets the dough cooking quickly.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil before adding toppings. This adds flavor and helps the crust crisp up better.
- Consider a pizza stone if you have one. It retains heat and creates an amazing crust, but a baking sheet works well too.
- Don’t overload with toppings, as this can make the crust soggy. Less is often more for a golden, crispy base!
Easy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Ingredients:
- Pizza Dough: 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade dough, enough for a 12×16-inch sheet)
- Chicken: 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- Bacon: 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Cheeses: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- Onion: 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for brushing dough)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, you should be ready to enjoy your pizza in around 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it fits your 12×16-inch baking sheet. Once rolled out, transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
3. Brush with Olive Oil:
Take the tablespoon of olive oil and lightly brush it over the dough. This will help the crust become nice and crispy while baking.
4. Add Barbecue Sauce:
Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, but don’t use it all—save a little for drizzling on top later!
5. Add Chicken:
Distribute the chopped or shredded cooked chicken evenly on top of the barbecue sauce.
6. Sprinkle Bacon and Onions:
Now it’s time to sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced red onions over the chicken layer, covering it well!
7. Add the Cheeses:
Generously top the pizza with your shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese, ensuring every bit is covered for maximum cheesiness!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Put your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. It’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust is a lovely golden brown.
9. Drizzle More Sauce:
Once out of the oven, drizzle a bit more barbecue sauce over the top for extra flavor!
10. Garnish and Slice:
Finish by garnishing your pizza with fresh parsley or cilantro. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice it into pieces and enjoy warm!
Enjoy this flavorful BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza that’s quick to make and perfect for any casual meal or gathering!
FAQ for Easy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Can I Use Homemade Pizza Dough Instead of Store-Bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can add a personal touch to your pizza. Just make sure to roll it out to fit a 12×16-inch baking sheet, and follow the same instructions for baking.
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken on Hand?
No problem! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or quickly grill or boil chicken breasts until cooked through. Shredded or chopped, just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the pizza!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes for a crispy crust, or microwave it for quicker but softer results. For best texture, the oven is recommended!
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to mix and match toppings according to your preference. You can add bell peppers, jalapeños, or even different cheeses like cheddar. The beauty of pizza is that it’s versatile to your taste!
