Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
When it comes to pizza, nothing beats the satisfaction of crafting your own at home. Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, topped with juicy chicken and gooey cheese. This pizza is not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make, whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a cozy evening in. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dish from scratch!
Reasons to Love Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Creating your own BBQ chicken pizza at home comes with a plethora of benefits:
- Customization: You have control over the toppings, sauces, and cheeses, allowing you to make it exactly to your taste.
- Quality Ingredients: You can choose fresh ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful pizza.
- Fun Activity: Making pizza is a great way to bond with family and friends, turning dinner into a fun event.
- Economical: Homemade pizza is often more affordable than ordering out, especially when feeding a crowd.
What Goes Into Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
To achieve that irresistible Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 3/4 Cup Lukewarm Water
- 1 Teaspoon Active-dry Yeast
- 10 Ounces Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
- 1.5 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 Cup Kraft BBQ Sauce (or any of your choice)
- 1 Tablespoon Apricot Jam
- 2 Cups Cubed Rotisserie Chicken
- 2/3 Cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 2/3 Cup Fontina Cheese
- 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Cilantro for garnishing (optional)
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you start whipping up your pizza, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the dough ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy in your measurements.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pizza dough.
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: To bake your pizza evenly.
- Oven: The ultimate cooking appliance for that perfectly baked crust.
Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza, Made Easy
Let’s break down the steps to create your Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water and active-dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour and kosher salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you are using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll it out into your desired shape and thickness, usually around 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or a pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone. Spread the BBQ sauce and apricot jam evenly over the base. Sprinkle the cubed rotisserie chicken over the sauce, followed by the mozzarella and fontina cheeses. If using, add the thinly sliced red onion on top.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
Slide the pizza into the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Slice up your pizza and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza!
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza is the endless possibilities for customization:
- Swap out the rotisserie chicken for grilled chicken or even pulled pork for a different flavor.
- Try different BBQ sauces, like smoky chipotle or a sweet honey BBQ, to change the taste profile.
- For a vegetarian option, use grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini instead of chicken.
- Add pineapple for a sweet twist or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Flavor Logic
The combination of sweet BBQ sauce and apricot jam creates a unique flavor base that perfectly complements the savory rotisserie chicken. The mozzarella and fontina cheeses melt beautifully, adding creaminess and richness to each bite. The optional red onion introduces a slight crunch and tang, while the cilantro adds a fresh finish, balancing the overall dish. This flavor medley makes your Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza not just a meal, but an experience.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious pizza), here’s how to store them:
Refrigerate: Store any uneaten pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Freeze: To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen by baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Quick Q&A
Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used, but you might need to adjust the liquid slightly since it absorbs more moisture.
What if I don’t have apricot jam?
You can substitute with any fruit jam you have on hand, such as peach or even orange marmalade, for a similar sweetness.
Is it okay to use store-bought dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough can save time and still yield delicious results. Just follow the instructions on the package for rolling and baking.
How can I make my crust crispier?
For a crispier crust, try pre-baking the crust for 5-7 minutes before adding your toppings. This will help achieve that perfect crunch!
Similar Recipes
If you love making pizza at home, you might also enjoy:
- Oven Bbq Chicken Thighs Extra Juicy
- How To Make Boneless Chicken Wings With Homemade Bbq Sauce
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs One Pan
The Last Word
There’s something magical about Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, creativity, and the joy of cooking. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, this pizza is bound to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a masterpiece in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of your delicious Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza!
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Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough - In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water and active-dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour and kosher salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Preheat the Oven - While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you are using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Step 3: Roll Out the Dough - Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a floured surface, roll it out into your desired shape and thickness, usually around 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza.
- Step 4: Assemble the Pizza - Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or a pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone. Spread the BBQ sauce and apricot jam evenly over the base. Sprinkle the cubed rotisserie chicken over the sauce, followed by the mozzarella and fontina cheeses. If using, add the thinly sliced red onion on top.
- Step 5: Bake the Pizza - Slide the pizza into the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve - Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Slice up your pizza and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza!
Notes
- Customize your pizza with different toppings like grilled chicken or pulled pork.
- Use different BBQ sauces for varied flavor profiles.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled vegetables.
- To store, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze slices tightly wrapped for up to 3 months and reheat at 375°F (190°C).
