Pizza with Barbecued Chicken: A Delectable Slant on a Traditional Favorite
Pizza is a universally loved dish, and its versatility allows for endless creativity in flavor combinations. One popular variation that has gained popularity in recent years is pizza with barbecued chicken. This mouthwatering twist combines the smoky and tangy flavors of barbecue sauce with the cheesy goodness of pizza. Want to know how to create a delicious barbecue chicken pizza? This blog has got you covered from preparing the dough to crafting the perfect combination of toppings. Get ready to elevate your pizza game with this delectable slant on a traditional favorite.
The Foundation: Preparing the Pizza Dough
The first step in creating a delectable barbecue chicken recipe for pizza is preparing the perfect pizza dough. Follow these steps for a flavorful and crispy crust:
Homemade Dough:
If you prefer homemade dough, combination of flour and yeast is neccessary. To that add salt and water in a bowl. Knead the dough until it is smooth and spongy, then let it rise until it doubles in size.
Store-Bought Dough:
For convenience, you can also use store-bought pizza dough. Look for quality dough options available in supermarkets or local pizzerias.
Preparing the Dough:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Stretch it into a round shape or any desired shape, ensuring that it’s even in thickness.
Crafting the Flavorful Barbecue Chicken Toppings
The star of the show is the barbecue chicken toppings, which bring the smoky and tangy flavors to your pizza. Follow these steps to create flavorful toppings:
Barbecue Chicken:
Marinate boneless, skinless chicken pieces in your favorite barbecue sauce for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. Grill or pan-sear the chicken until fully cooked, then slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Barbecue Sauce:
Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce that complements the flavor of the chicken. Whether you prefer a smoky, spicy, or tangy barbecue sauce, select one that will add depth and richness to your pizza.
Additional Toppings:
Enhance your pizza with a variety of complementary toppings. Some popular options include red onions, bell peppers, pineapple chunks, and mozzarella cheese. You can also experiment with other ingredients like jalapeños, bacon, or cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Assembling and Baking the Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Now that you have your dough and flavorful toppings ready, it’s time to assemble and bake your barbecue chicken pizza. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and delicious pizza:
Preheat the Oven:
Heat the oven before at highest temperature possible, typically around 475-500°F (245-260°C). Preheating the oven ensures a hot environment for baking the pizza, resulting in a crispy crust.
Sauce and Cheese:
Spread a generous amount of barbecue sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Powder a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Toppings and Chicken:
Add your desired toppings, including the grilled barbecue chicken. Distribute them evenly across the pizza, ensuring a balanced combination of flavors.
Baking:
Carefully transfer the pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Preheat the oven and bake the pizza for approximately 13-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.
Serving and Enjoying the Barbecue Chicken Pizza
The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived—serving and savoring your homemade barbecue chicken pizza. Follow these steps to complete the experience:
Cooling and Slicing:
Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set and prevents the toppings from sliding off.
Garnish and Serve:
Add a finishing touch to your pizza by garnishing it with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Slice the pizza into desired portions and serve it while it’s still warm.
Conclusion
Pizza with barbecued chicken offers a delectable twist on a traditional favorite. The combination of smoky barbecue sauce, tender grilled chicken, and a variety of toppings creates a burst of flavors that will delight your taste buds. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can create a delicious barbecue chicken pizza that is sure to impress family and friends. So, roll out that dough, fire up the oven, and indulge in the irresistible combination of barbecue and pizza.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the barbecue chicken pizza?
A1: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for the pizza. Simply shred or slice the cooked chicken and toss it in your desired barbecue sauce before adding it as a topping. This is a great way to use leftover grilled or roasted chicken.
Q2: Can I use a different type of sauce instead of barbecue sauce?
A2: While barbecue sauce is the classic choice for a barbecue chicken pizza, you can experiment with different sauces to suit your taste preferences. Some alternatives include buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or a combination of tomato sauce and hot sauce.
Q3: Can I make a vegetarian version of barbecue chicken pizza?
A3: Absolutely! You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. Choose a barbecue sauce that pairs well with the flavors of the vegetables.
Q4: Can I use a grill instead of an oven to cook the pizza?
A4: Yes, you can cook the pizza on a grill. Preheat the grill to moderate-high heat, place the pizza directly on the grates or on a pizza stone, and close the lid. Cook the pizza for approximately 8-10 minutes, to ensure that the cheese is melted and crust of the pizza turns golden brown.
