BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions
If you’re a BBQ enthusiast looking for a delicious twist on a classic dish, you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to 79th St. BBQ, your go-to source for all things barbecue, where we’re passionate about infusing bold flavors and smoky goodness into every bite. Today, we’re diving into a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table: BBQ Chicken Pizza with Red Onions.
This recipe combines tender chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, creamy cheese, and the sharpness of red onions to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply looking for a quick and delicious meal, this BBQ chicken pizza is a surefire winner.
Ingredients for the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
Creating the perfect BBQ chicken pizza starts with choosing the right ingredients. At 79th St. BBQ, we believe that every component plays a vital role in achieving a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Let’s break down the essential ingredients and some optional toppings that can elevate your pizza to the next level.
Essential Ingredients
Chicken
The star of our BBQ chicken pizza is, of course, the chicken. You have a few options here:
- Rotisserie Chicken: This is a great option if you’re short on time. Rotisserie chicken is already cooked to perfection and can be shredded easily, providing a juicy and tender texture that complements the BBQ sauce well.
- Grilled Chicken: If you want to add a smoky flavor, grilling your chicken is the way to go. Season it with a blend of spices or a simple salt and pepper mix before grilling to enhance the flavor.
- Poached Chicken: For a softer, more delicate flavor, poaching chicken breast in seasoned water can be a good option. This method keeps the chicken moist and tender.
Red Onions
Red onions add a pop of color and a sweet, tangy flavor to the pizza. You can slice them thinly for a subtle crunch or caramelize them to bring out their natural sweetness, adding depth and a hint of smokiness that pairs beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
Cheese
For that perfect gooey, melty texture, a combination of cheeses works best:
- Mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully, providing that classic stretchy texture we all love on pizza.
- Smoked Gouda or Cheddar: Adding smoked gouda or cheddar introduces a smoky undertone, enhancing the BBQ flavor profile.
BBQ Sauce
Choosing the right BBQ sauce is crucial. You can either go with a store-bought option or make your own:
Homemade: If you have the time, making your own BBQ sauce allows you to control the sweetness, spice level, and smokiness to match your personal preferences.
Store-Bought: A quick and convenient choice. Look for a sauce with a balance of sweetness and tanginess to complement the other ingredients.
Fresh Cilantro
While cilantro is optional, it adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens up the pizza. Sprinkle it on top just before serving to add a burst of freshness.
Optional Toppings
For those who love to customize their pizzas, here are some optional toppings that can add extra layers of flavor and texture:
Crumbled Bacon
Adding crumbled bacon provides a salty crunch that complements the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and onions.
Pineapple Tidbits
For a touch of sweetness, pineapple tidbits add a juicy contrast to the savory elements of the pizza.
Jalapeños
If you enjoy a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños can add a spicy kick to each bite.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers bring a sweet and slightly crunchy element, which adds a nice contrast to the other textures.
Sweet Corn
Sweet corn kernels can add a pop of sweetness and a unique texture, making every bite a little more interesting.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
Creating the perfect BBQ chicken pizza is all about layering flavors and textures. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make a pizza that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough
The foundation of any good pizza is the dough. You have two main options here:
- Store-Bought Dough: A convenient choice that saves time. Look for a high-quality dough in your local grocery store, preferably one that has been pre-proofed for ease of use.
- Homemade Dough: If you have a bit more time, making your own dough from scratch allows for customization. Use a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour for a chewy, yet crispy crust.
Tips for Preparing Dough:
- Allow the dough to come to room temperature before stretching it out. This makes it more pliable and easier to shape.
- Use a light dusting of flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking and add a bit of extra texture to the crust.
Cook the Chicken
Whether you use rotisserie, grilled, or poached chicken, ensure it’s cooked properly and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Season the Chicken: Before cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika for an added depth of flavor.
- Cooking Fresh Chicken: If using fresh chicken breasts, grill or poach them until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), then shred or chop.
Assemble the Pizza
Now comes the fun part—assembling your pizza!
- Layer the BBQ Sauce: Start with a generous layer of BBQ sauce, spreading it evenly over the dough.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by smoked gouda or cheddar.
- Top with Chicken and Onions: Add your shredded chicken and thinly sliced red onions (or caramelized onions for a different flavor).
- Include Optional Toppings: If you’re using any optional toppings like bacon, pineapple, or jalapeños, add them now.
Baking Instructions
To achieve the perfect crust and melty toppings, baking at the right temperature is key.
- Preheat Your Oven: Heat the oven to 475°F (245°C) for a crispy crust. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if desired.
Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza
Perfecting your BBQ chicken pizza involves a few key tips and tricks that can make all the difference in flavor and texture.
Pizza Dough Tips
Store-Bought Dough Tips
Using store-bought dough is convenient, but here are some pros and cons:
- Pros: Saves time and effort, consistent results, easy to use.
- Cons: Less control over ingredients and flavor, may not achieve the same texture as homemade dough.
Homemade Dough Recipe
Making your own dough can be rewarding and offers full control over the flavor and texture. For a detailed homemade dough recipe, visit our dedicated dough recipe page on 79th St. BBQ.
Flavor Enhancements
How to Caramelize Onions
Caramelizing onions adds a sweet and rich flavor to your pizza.
- Slice Onions Thinly: Cut red onions into thin slices for even cooking.
- Cook Over Low Heat: In a skillet, cook the onions over low heat with a bit of butter or olive oil, stirring occasionally until they are soft and golden brown.
- Add a Pinch of Sugar: To speed up the caramelization process, add a pinch of sugar.
Choosing the Right Cheese
The cheese you choose can greatly affect the flavor and texture of your pizza.
- Mozzarella: Best for that classic gooey texture.
- Smoked Gouda: Adds a smoky flavor that complements BBQ sauce.
- Cheddar: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Variations and Customizations
- Vegetarian BBQ Pizza Option For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free BBQ Pizza To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pizza crust or make your own with gluten-free flour.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this BBQ chicken pizza, here are some related recipes you might like:
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza A tropical twist on the classic, featuring pineapple and ham.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza For those who like it spicy, this pizza combines buffalo sauce with chicken, blue cheese, and mozzarella.
- Veggie Lover’s Pizza Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, this pizza is perfect for those looking to enjoy a meat-free meal.
Conclusion
Now that you have all the knowledge and tips to create the perfect BBQ chicken pizza, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. We invite you to try this recipe, share your experiences with us, or ask any questions in the comments section. Let 79th St. BBQ and JL Surjan guide you on this culinary adventure to make your best BBQ chicken pizza yet!
Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
