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Tangy BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Peppers

This flavorful BBQ chicken pizza is topped with tender grilled chicken, sweet caramelized onions and peppers, melted cheese, and a tangy, homemade BBQ sauce. The combination of smoky, savory chicken and perfectly charred veggies over cheesy pizza dough can’t be beat. Ready in under an hour, this recipe makes pizza night easy without sacrificing any of the flavors you’d get from a restaurant or pizza joint. The complexity of flavors and textures in every bite will have you craving this pizza again and again.

Ingredients

To make one 12-inch pizza, you will need:

  • 1 pound pizza dough, store bought or homemade
  • 1⁄4 cup BBQ sauce plus more for serving
  • 1 chicken breast, grilled and shredded
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Constructing this flavor-packed BBQ chicken pizza is simple:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a pizza pan or baking sheet.
  2. Grill chicken breast over medium heat until cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Shred meat with two forks.
  3. Spread 1⁄4 cup BBQ sauce evenly over the dough. Top with chicken, onions, peppers, garlic, and mozzarella.
  4. Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is crispy and cheese melts.
  5. Garnish with cilantro. Slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce.

Choosing High Quality Ingredients

The best ingredients make all the difference in pizza flavor:

Chicken

  • Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs.
  • Grill for smoky flavor.
  • Shredded chicken distributes well.

Produce

  • Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla.
  • Red bell peppers for color.
  • Fresh, aromatic cilantro.

Cheese and Sauce

  • Whole milk mozzarella for stretch and flavor.
  • Tangy BBQ sauce coats evenly when baked.
  • Make your own or use your favorite brand.

Quality ingredients mean letting flavors shine through.

Grilling the Chicken

For flavorful grilled chicken:

  • Use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs.
  • Grill over direct medium heat.
  • Cook 5-6 minutes per side.
  • Get nice grill marks without burning.
  • Charred bits add smoky flavor.
  • Let rest before shredding with two forks.

Grilling the chicken adds moisture and smoky undertones.

Caramelizing the Onions and Peppers

For sweet, tender veggies:

  • Thinly slice onions and peppers.
  • Toss with a bit of oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Sauté over medium-low heat until browned.
  • Draw out moisture slowly for true caramelization.
  • Add a dash of sugar or balsamic for extra sweetness.

Taking the time to caramelize makes all the difference in flavor.

Creating the Perfect Pizza Dough

For the ideal crust:

  • Make fresh dough or use good storebought.
  • Roll dough evenly to a 12-inch circle.
  • Stretch by hand for a rustic style crust.
  • Parbake dough 2-3 minutes before adding toppings.
  • Brush edges with oil or egg wash if desired.

The right dough means you can pile on bold toppings without a saggy center.

Serving Suggestions

Serve BBQ chicken pizza with:

  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
  • Celery sticks, carrot sticks, or cucumber slices.
  • BBQ wings, cornbread, coleslaw.
  • Beer, soda, or chilled white wine.
  • Fruit salad with melon, grapes, and berries.

Balance this savory pizza with crunchy vegetables, salad, and chilled drinks.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

For delicious leftovers:

  • Allow pizza to cool completely before storing.
  • Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate up to 4 days.
  • Reheat slices in a 300°F oven until hot.
  • Crisp back up in a skillet if desired.

With proper storage, enjoy pizza again later without losing quality.

Nutrition Facts

This pizza provides:

  • Protein from grilled chicken to keep you full.
  • Fiber, lycopene, vitamin C from bell peppers and onions.
  • Probiotics from mozzarella cheese.
  • Antioxidants like quercetin found in onions.
  • Phytochemicals and vitamin K from fresh cilantro.

Pile on extra veggies for an even bigger nutrition boost.

Conclusion

This BBQ chicken pizza is layered with smoky grilled chicken, sweet caramelized onions and peppers, melted cheese, and zesty homemade barbecue sauce over a crisp crust. Every component builds incredible depth of flavor in each bite. Ready in under an hour, it makes pizza night easy with way better results than delivery. Topping pizza with high-quality ingredients like grilled meat and fresh produce elevates this classic to a gourmet level. For your next party or pizza night at home, give this tangy barbecue chicken pizza a try.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Chicken Pizza

1. What is the best cheese for BBQ chicken pizza?

Mozzarella and cheddar work very well, melting smoothly. Provolone and smoked gouda also pair deliciously.

2. What BBQ sauce is best for pizza?

Go for a thick, tomato-based sauce with tangy, sweet, and smoky notes. Homemade is best to control flavors.

3. How do you reheat leftover pizza?

Wrap slices in foil and heat at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy. Use a skillet for extra crunch.

4. Can you use rotisserie chicken on pizza?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great! Pick any flavor that pairs well with barbecue sauce.

5. What vegetables go well with BBQ chicken pizza?

Red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, corn, sliced mushrooms, and pineapple are all tasty options.

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