This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza is a tasty treat that everyone will love! It’s topped with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and drizzled with sweet BBQ sauce for an exciting flavor mix!
Making this pizza is a blast—just spread the sauce, pile on the toppings, and bake until it’s bubbly. It’s the perfect meal for pizza night! Who can say no to that crispy bacon? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience. If you want to make it from scratch, all you need is flour, yeast, water, and a pinch of salt. I often use a pre-made dough for quick prep.
Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken works great here! If you don’t have chicken on hand, shredded turkey makes for a tasty alternative.
Bacon: Use regular or turkey bacon depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider crumbled tempeh or a veggie bacon substitute!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to replace it with a vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. You could also play with different cheese blends for extra flavors!
BBQ Sauce: Any BBQ sauce you like will work well, but homemade versions can lead to personalized flavor. You can also substitute with a spicy sauce for a kick!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure a Crispy Pizza Crust?
A crispy pizza crust is essential for this dish. To achieve that, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to a higher temperature, like 450°F (230°C), which helps to crisp the crust quickly.
- Brush the rolled-out dough with olive oil. This adds flavor while creating a barrier to moisture from the toppings.
- If using a pizza stone, let it heat in the oven for at least 30 minutes before placing the pizza on it.
- Don’t overload your pizza with toppings—this helps the crust cook evenly without becoming soggy.
- Trying a pizza screen can help get that extra crispiness, too, as it allows heat to circulate beneath the crust.
How to Make Easy BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for a 12 x 16-inch rectangle)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for brushing the crust)
- Optional: 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pizza takes about 15 minutes to prep and 12-16 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend around 30 minutes to enjoy this tasty BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, put it in the oven now so it heats up nicely while you prepare the pizza.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your pizza dough on a clean surface to fit a 12 x 16-inch rectangular baking sheet or pan. If you prefer, you can also shape the dough into a more traditional round shape. Lightly oil the baking sheet before placing the dough on it for a nice crispy crust!
3. Brush with Olive Oil:
Using a brush or your fingers, spread a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the dough. This helps it to crisp up when baking.
4. Add BBQ Sauce:
Spread half of the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to cover it well for that delicious flavor.
5. Layer on the Chicken:
Evenly distribute the shredded or diced cooked chicken on top of the BBQ sauce. This is where all that protein goodness comes in!
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack (or white cheddar) cheeses over the chicken. Make sure to cover it nicely to get that gooey, cheesy goodness!
7. Add Onion and Bacon:
Scatter the thin slices of red onion and crumbled bacon evenly on top of the cheese for added crunch and flavor.
8. Drizzle More BBQ Sauce:
Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the entire pizza to give it that extra kick. This step is key for flavor and moisture!
9. Optional Parmesan:
If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top before you bake it to add a rich flavor.
10. Bake the Pizza:
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-16 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melt and bubbly.
11. Cool and Garnish:
Once it’s baked to perfection, take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps the cheese set a bit, making slicing easier.
12. Slice and Serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Then slice and serve the pizza warm with your favorite side dishes!
Enjoy your easy and delicious BBQ chicken bacon pizza with that perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors!
Can I Use a Different Type of Dough for This Pizza?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat dough, cauliflower crust, or even gluten-free dough if you prefer. Just adjust the baking time as needed, depending on the type of crust you use. If using pre-made dough, follow the instructions on the package for best results.
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy crust, or use the microwave for a quick reheat, but note it may get soggy.
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the toppings and assemble the pizza in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it straight from the fridge (you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time).
What Can I Use Instead of BBQ Sauce?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use ranch dressing, garlic oil, or even pizza sauce. Pesto would also provide a wonderful herby flavor if you’re feeling adventurous! Just keep in mind that the overall taste will differ based on the sauce you choose.
