Randy Chandler
Barbecue chicken pizza is a popular dish that combines the flavours of barbecue sauce, chicken, and cheese. The type of cheese used can vary, with recipes suggesting smoked gouda, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Colby-Jack, or a blend of provolone, cheddar, and mozzarella. The pizza is typically made with a homemade or store-bought dough base, which is topped with barbecue sauce, chicken, and cheese, along with other ingredients such as onion, cilantro, and jalapenos. The pizza is then baked until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The final product is a delicious and flavourful meal that can be enjoyed by all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Colby-Jack, Smoked Gouda, Smoked Cheddar, Provolone, Jack Cheese |
| Number of Cheeses | 1-2 |
| Base | Pizza dough |
| Toppings | Chicken, BBQ sauce, onion, peppers, spinach, cilantro, jalapenos, pineapple, bacon |
| Oven Temperature | 350-500 degrees F |
| Bake Time | 10-16 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Barbecue chicken pizza recipes
Barbecue chicken pizza is a fun and tasty dish to make at home, and there are several ways to make it. You can use store-bought or homemade dough, and pre-cooked or raw chicken.
If you want to make your own dough, a simple recipe involves mixing 1 cup of whole wheat flour with other basic ingredients like water, oil, and yeast. You can also add herbs like thyme and basil to the dough for extra flavor. If you're short on time, you can buy fresh dough from a grocery or pizza shop, or use a pre-made, store-bought crust.
For the chicken, you can use leftover cooked chicken or cook your own. Some recipes call for grilling or boiling chicken breasts, while others suggest buying a rotisserie chicken and shredding it. You can also cook the chicken in barbecue sauce to give it extra flavor and prevent it from drying out.
Once you have your dough and chicken ready, it's time to assemble the pizza. Start by pre-baking the dough for about 6 minutes. Then, spread a layer of barbecue sauce over the crust, followed by the chicken. You can also add other toppings at this stage, such as caramelized onions, peppers, spinach, or jalapenos. Finally, add the cheese. Many recipes call for a mix of mozzarella and gouda, but you can also use provolone, smoked cheddar, Colby-Jack, or parmesan. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite type of cheese!
After assembling the pizza, bake it at 425-450 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also grill the pizza for a fun outdoor cooking option.
Barbecue chicken pizza is a versatile and tasty dish that can be customized to your liking. Get creative, and enjoy the delicious results!
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Types of cheese used
Barbecue chicken pizza is a popular dish that combines the flavours of barbecue sauce, chicken, and cheese. The type of cheese used in barbecue chicken pizza can vary depending on personal preference and the recipe being followed. Here are some of the commonly used cheeses in barbecue chicken pizza:
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a popular choice for barbecue chicken pizza as it melts easily and has a mild, creamy flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients. It is often used as the base cheese, spread over the pizza dough before adding the other toppings. Mozzarella is also used in combination with other cheeses to create a more complex flavour profile.
Gouda
Gouda cheese is known for its sweet and nutty flavour, adding a unique taste to barbecue chicken pizza. It melts well and can be used as a substitute for mozzarella. Combining gouda with mozzarella can create a delicious blend of flavours.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is another popular option for barbecue chicken pizza. It has a sharp and slightly tangy flavour that can enhance the overall taste of the pizza. Cheddar also melts well and can be combined with mozzarella for a more robust flavour.
Colby-Jack
Colby-Jack, also known as Cojack, is a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. It has a mild, buttery flavour with a hint of sweetness. Colby-Jack melts easily, making it a suitable choice for barbecue chicken pizza.
Smoked Cheese
Some people enjoy adding a smoky flavour to their barbecue chicken pizza by using smoked cheeses such as smoked gouda or smoked cheddar. These cheeses can add a unique depth of flavour to the dish.
The choice of cheese ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Some people may prefer a single type of cheese, while others may opt for a combination of cheeses to create a more complex and flavourful barbecue chicken pizza.
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How to make pizza dough
Barbecue chicken pizza does include cheese, with recipes suggesting the use of mozzarella, Colby-Jack, gouda, or smoked cheddar.
Pizza dough is easy to make at home and only requires a few basic ingredients. Here is a simple recipe to make your own pizza dough:
Ingredients:
- Flour – Use all-purpose flour or a mix of all-purpose and white whole wheat flour.
- Yeast – Active dry yeast or instant yeast. Yeast helps the dough rise and gives it that nice, puffy texture.
- Water – Use warm water (not too hot) to help activate the yeast.
- Sugar – This feeds the yeast and aids in the rising process. You can substitute with maple syrup or honey.
- Salt – Essential for adding flavour to the crust.
- Olive oil – For richness, moisture, and flavour.
Optional Ingredients:
- Garlic powder
- Dried basil or fresh herbs
- Cornmeal for a crunchier crust
Instructions:
- Proof the yeast by combining it with warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy. If it doesn't foam, discard the mixture and try again with new yeast.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.
- Pour the yeast mixture and a tablespoon of olive oil into the flour mixture. Mix until a ball of dough forms, adding more flour or water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a smooth ball. Brush a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough ball inside to rest.
- Once the dough has risen, you can stretch it by hand or use a rolling pin to roll it out into your desired shape and thickness.
- If desired, poke holes in the dough with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming during baking.
- Add your favourite toppings and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden.
This recipe yields enough dough for one pizza, but you can easily double the ingredients to make more. With this homemade pizza dough as your base, get creative with your toppings and enjoy the delicious results!
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Other toppings used
Barbecue chicken pizza typically includes barbecue sauce, chicken, cheese, and other toppings. The choice of toppings depends on individual preferences and tastes. Here are some of the most commonly used toppings for barbecue chicken pizza, aside from barbecue sauce, chicken, and cheese:
Onion
Red onions are commonly used in barbecue chicken pizza for their sharp and zesty flavour. They add a nice crunch and a burst of colour to the pizza.
Cilantro
Cilantro is often used to add freshness and a bright, herbal flavour to the pizza. It pairs well with the other ingredients and provides a nice garnish.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice for pizza due to its stretchy, melty texture and mild flavour. It blends well with other cheeses, such as gouda, and can be shredded or sliced.
Gouda
Smoked gouda cheese adds a deep, smoky flavour to the pizza. It pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of barbecue sauce and provides a nice contrast to the other ingredients.
Spinach
Spinach leaves add a nutritional boost to the pizza and a slightly earthy flavour. They can be chopped or left whole, depending on preference.
Jalapeños
Fresh, diced jalapeños add a spicy kick to the pizza. They provide a nice contrast to the other flavours and can be adjusted to suit your preferred spice level.
Pepperoncini Peppers
Pepperoncini peppers offer a mild heat and a tangy flavour. They are often used in combination with other peppers or spices to create a unique flavour profile.
Thyme and Basil
Thyme and basil are aromatic herbs that can be added fresh or dried. They provide a subtle earthiness and enhance the overall flavour of the pizza.
Pickles
Pickles might seem like an unusual topping, but they can add a crunchy, tangy element to the pizza. They can be chopped or sliced and are often added after the pizza is baked.
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How to store leftover pizza
Barbecue chicken pizza is a delicious combination of tangy barbecue sauce, chicken, and cheese. It is a popular choice for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savoury flavours. While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly store leftover barbecue chicken pizza and enjoy it later. Here are some tips to ensure your leftover pizza stays fresh and tasty:
Storing Leftover Pizza:
- Cooling Down: Allow the leftover pizza to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent excess condensation, which can make the crust soggy.
- Ditch the Box: Avoid storing pizza in the delivery box. The cardboard and air circulation can cause the pizza to dehydrate and become dry.
- Stack and Seal: Place the pizza slices on a plate and separate each slice with a layer of wax, freezer, foil, or parchment paper. Stack the slices, alternating between pizza and paper, and then wrap the entire stack tightly in plastic wrap. This method helps keep the pizza fresh and prevents it from drying out.
- Airtight Container: If you have an airtight container large enough, you can place the slices in it instead of using plastic wrap. This option is more environmentally friendly and still keeps the pizza fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store the wrapped pizza in the refrigerator. Properly stored leftover pizza will retain its best quality for 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheating Leftover Pizza:
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover barbecue chicken pizza, here are some reheating options:
- Skillet: Using a skillet, preferably cast-iron, is a popular choice for reheating pizza. It helps achieve a crisp bottom crust and melted cheese.
- Air Fryer: An air fryer can also be used to reheat pizza, giving it a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and texture.
- Toaster Oven: Place the pizza slices directly on the rack and use the "toast" function. Keep an eye on the pizza to avoid overcooking.
- Microwave: While convenient, the microwave can make the pizza soggy and rubbery. If you choose this option, cover the pizza with a paper towel to help absorb excess moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, barbecue chicken pizza typically includes cheese. Common cheese choices include mozzarella, gouda, smoked gouda, smoked cheddar, provolone, and jack cheese.
Barbecue chicken pizza typically includes barbecue sauce, chicken, and red onion. Other toppings may include roasted red onions, peppers, spinach, cilantro, jalapenos, and bacon.
You can use either a homemade or store-bought pizza crust for barbecue chicken pizza. If you're making your own crust, you can use a simple recipe with flour, yeast, salt, and olive oil.
