This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a delicious twist on your regular pizza. It’s topped with smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese that pulls you in!
What’s not to love? It’s like a love letter to pizza lovers everywhere! I enjoy making it for game night—everyone gets a slice, and the smiles say it all. 🍕🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use either store-bought or homemade dough. I like the convenience of store-bought, but if you’re in the mood, it’s fun to make your own! For gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pizza dough available at stores or make your own with almond or coconut flour.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe since it saves time. If you’re vegetarian, consider using a mixture of mushrooms and zucchini for a tasty alternative, or try shredded jackfruit for a BBQ flavor without the meat.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to match your taste. I love a smoky flavor, but sweet or spicy sauces also work great! If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, there are low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauces that can be used instead.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch, but you can use turkey bacon for a lighter option or omit it for a vegetarian version. Smoked paprika can give a hint of bacon flavor if you prefer to skip the meat entirely.
Red Onion: To mellow the onion’s sharpness, soak the slices in warm water for a few minutes before use. If red onion isn’t available, you can substitute with yellow onion or sweet Vidalia onion for a milder taste.
How Can I Roll Out Pizza Dough Perfectly?
Getting the pizza dough right can be tricky, but don’t worry! Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Start with room-temperature dough — if it’s cold, let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Flour your surface well to prevent sticking.
- Using a rolling pin, begin at the center and roll outward; turn the dough frequently to maintain a circular shape.
- If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before trying again.
Taking your time with this step will ensure an even crust that cooks beautifully in the oven!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pizza:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for greasing)
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’re looking at around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, pop it in the oven to heat up; this will help give your crust that extra crunch!
2. Roll Out The Dough:
Next, sprinkle some flour on your counter or a clean surface. Take your pizza dough and roll it out to a size that fits your baking sheet or pizza pan. Once it’s rolled out, carefully transfer it to a greased baking sheet or onto your hot pizza stone.
3. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir them together until the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce. This will be the delicious topping for your pizza!
4. Assemble Your Pizza:
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the pizza dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust. Now, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the chicken. Yum!
5. Add Onions and Cheese:
Next, evenly distribute the thinly sliced red onions over the pizza. This adds a wonderful kick! Finally, top everything off with the shredded mozzarella cheese so that it’s covered nicely—cheese makes everything better!
6. Bake The Pizza:
Now it’s time to bake! Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust turns golden and the cheese is all bubbly and melted. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice. Before serving, sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top for a fresh touch!
Now, slice your pizza, serve it warm, and enjoy every bite of your BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza! Happy eating!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken off the bone and mix it with the BBQ sauce as directed. It’s a delicious and convenient option!
What if I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute BBQ sauce with a mix of ketchup and a little bit of Worcestershire sauce for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can make a homemade sauce using tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices if you prefer a custom flavor.
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts again for the best taste.
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza up to the baking step. Assemble the pizza, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
