BBQ chicken pizza is a beloved non-traditional pizza that can be found in most Italian-American pizzerias. It is a fun and easy dish to make at home, and you can even get the whole family involved! The pizza typically includes BBQ sauce, chicken, red onions, and cheese. The type of cheese used is up to the chef's discretion, but popular options include mozzarella, gouda, colby-jack, and cheddar.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of Cheese | Mozzarella, Colby-Jack, Smoked Gouda |
Mozzarella
For the best results, it is recommended to use fresh, low-moisture mozzarella instead of pre-shredded varieties. Fresh mozzarella melts more easily and has a better texture. It is also important to note that pre-shredded mozzarella is often coated in anti-clumping chemicals, which can affect its ability to melt and may result in a soggy pizza.
So, if you're making a BBQ chicken pizza, mozzarella is an excellent choice for cheese! Its mild flavour and creamy texture will complement the other ingredients well, and it will melt beautifully to create a delicious, gooey topping.
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Smoked gouda
Some recipes suggest a ratio of two-thirds of a cup of gouda to two-thirds of a cup of mozzarella, while others suggest a more even split. One recipe recommends using two cups of gouda, but this is to be paired with two cups of cooked, shredded chicken breast, and one cup of BBQ sauce, so the ratios are similar.
The smoked gouda is usually shredded and placed on top of the BBQ sauce, with cooked chicken, and red onion. Some recipes also suggest adding fresh cilantro, which adds a touch of freshness to the pizza.
One recipe recommends pre-tossing the chicken in BBQ sauce before layering it on top of the pizza, to prevent the chicken from drying out.
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Spicy barbecue sauce
There are many ways to make spicy barbecue sauce. You can use a store-bought variety or make your own by adding spices to a regular barbecue sauce. Some recipes suggest adding Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a dash of sugar to taste. You can also add some green jalapeno Tabasco sauce for an extra kick.
If you want to make your BBQ chicken pizza extra spicy, you can add some chili sauce to the barbecue sauce. One recipe suggests using the spicy Asian kind. You can mix this with your cooked chicken and barbecue sauce before spreading it over your pizza base.
When spreading the sauce over your pizza base, you can use as much or as little as you like. Most recipes suggest using around 1/3 of a cup, but you can add more if you love extra sauce. You can even serve some on the side for dipping.
The spicy barbecue sauce is the star of the show in BBQ chicken pizza. It brings all the flavors together and gives the pizza its unique taste.
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Pre-cooked chicken
Before adding the chicken to your pizza, it's a good idea to toss it in a little BBQ sauce. This will add extra flavour and moisture to the chicken, ensuring it doesn't dry out during cooking. You can also season the chicken with a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and chipotle chilli powder.
Once your chicken is coated in sauce and seasoning, simply add it to your pizza! Spread it evenly over the BBQ sauce base, and top with your chosen cheese and other toppings.
Using pre-cooked chicken is a convenient and tasty way to make a delicious BBQ chicken pizza. By preparing the chicken in advance or buying it pre-cooked, you can save time and effort when assembling your pizza.
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Red onion
When preparing the red onion for a BBQ chicken pizza, it is best to thinly slice or chop the onion. This will ensure that the onion flavour is evenly distributed throughout the pizza.
In addition to their flavour contribution, red onions also offer a range of health benefits. They are a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against disease. Red onions also contain compounds that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve blood sugar control.
Overall, red onions are an essential component of BBQ chicken pizza, adding a burst of flavour and colour to this popular dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, and it pairs well with BBQ chicken. Smoked gouda is also a good option, as its smoky flavour complements the barbecue sauce.
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as Colby-Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack. You can also skip the gouda and use more mozzarella.
This depends on your preference and the size of your pizza. A good starting point is to use around 2 cups of shredded cheese for a 12-inch pizza. You can adjust the amount as needed.