Imagine the smoky aroma of BBQ chicken mingling with crispy, crunchy bacon, all wrapped up in a warm, cheesy embrace on a perfectly baked pizza crust. This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza Recipe is not just food; it’s an experience that transports you straight to flavor town, where every bite fills your heart with joy and your stomach with happiness. Whether it’s game night or a cozy family dinner, this pizza is the star of the show. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
Every time I whip up this BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza, I think back to those lazy Sunday afternoons spent watching football with friends. The laughter, the cheers, and, of course, the endless slices of pizza made for unforgettable memories. As soon as that gooey cheese starts melting and the bacon gets crispy, anticipation fills the air like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights
- It boasts a delightful sweet and smoky flavor profile that will impress everyone at your table
- Visually appealing with vibrant colors from fresh toppings, it’s a feast for both the eyes and palate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your favorite ingredients or dietary needs!
I once made this pizza for a gathering, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it—let’s just say there were no leftovers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pizza Dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous; both options work beautifully.
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Cooked Chicken Breast: Shred about 2 cups of cooked chicken; rotisserie chicken works wonders here for ease.
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Bacon: About 6 slices of crispy bacon add that smoky flavor; cook until golden before adding.
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BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; a sweet and tangy sauce balances flavors perfectly.
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Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use around 2 cups for that melty goodness everyone loves.
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Red Onion: Thinly sliced; it adds crunch and a slight sweetness when cooked.
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Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro can be sprinkled on top after baking for an extra pop of freshness.
For the Sauce:
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Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth; fresh garlic works too but be careful not to overpower.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle helps in cooking the chicken and infusing flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza Recipe
Prepare Your Oven and Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness.
Crisp Up That Bacon!: Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they become crispy. Drain on paper towels before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with half of your BBQ sauce. Stir well so every bit of chicken gets coated in sweet goodness.
Create Your Pizza Base: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over your rolled-out dough. Leave an edge around the crust for that deliciously chewy bite.
Add Toppings Galore!: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauced dough. Add shredded chicken mixture followed by crispy bacon pieces and sliced red onion.
Bake Until Golden Perfection!: Slide the pizza into your preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once you pull this masterpiece out of the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes (if you can resist). Then slice it up and enjoy every mouthful of that smoky BBQ flavor combined with crispy bacon—trust me; you’ll want seconds!
With each step detailed above, making this BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza will feel like an adventure rather than just cooking. You’ll find yourself eager to explore new topping combinations or even adjust flavors according to personal preferences. Happy eating!
You Must Know
- This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza Recipe delivers a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing
- The smoky barbecue sauce combined with crispy bacon and tender chicken creates a savory masterpiece perfect for any gathering
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating the oven to 475°F. Cook the chicken in a skillet, then assemble your pizza while it cools slightly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the barbecue sauce for pesto or Alfredo if you’re feeling adventurous! Add jalapeños for heat or extra cheese for indulgence.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, marinate your chicken overnight before cooking
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated for a perfectly crispy crust, and don’t overload with toppings to avoid sogginess
- Keeping everything balanced is key!
Creating this BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza was a game-changer during family movie nights; everyone loved it, and I felt like a culinary rockstar!
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time.
What type of cheese is best for BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza?
A mix of mozzarella and cheddar creates a gooey, flavorful topping.
How can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust as a tasty alternative.
BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a flavor-packed delight that combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, all drizzled with tangy BBQ sauce on a perfectly baked crust. Perfect for any occasion—game nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings—this easy-to-make pizza will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (such as rotisserie)
- 6 slices cooked bacon (crispy)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy; drain and chop.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with half of the BBQ sauce until coated.
- Spread remaining BBQ sauce over rolled-out dough, leaving an edge for the crust.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese on top, then add the chicken mixture, bacon pieces, and sliced red onion.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing; serve hot with optional cilantro garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce overnight. - Feel free to substitute BBQ sauce with pesto or Alfredo for different flavor profiles. - Add jalapeños for a spicy kick or extra cheese for indulgence.