BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the perfect fusion of smoky BBQ flavors and melty cheese with this BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that blends crispy bread, tender chicken, and tangy barbecue sauce into one delicious bite.

Ingredients

• 1 (12- to 14-oz.) loaf French bread
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 6 oz.)
• 1 cup store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, divided, plus more for serving
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella (about 8 oz.)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or gouda (about 2 oz.)
• 1/2 small red onion, quartered, thinly sliced
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. If the loaf is too long to fit on your baking sheet, cut it crosswise into 4 pieces. Place the bread slices cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Step 2: Toast the bread in the oven until it feels slightly dry to the touch and the edges begin to turn golden, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the bread toasts, toss the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce in a medium bowl until well coated. In another bowl, combine the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
4. Step 4: Spread 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the toasted bread, making sure to cover the edges. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over the sauce, then add the sliced red onions. Evenly distribute the chicken mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake the assembled pizza until the cheese is melted and golden brown in spots, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
• Swap red onion for thinly sliced green onions or pickled jalapeños to add a spicy kick.
• For a smoky depth, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
• Try substituting gouda with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for different flavor notes.

Storage

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread is crisp again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread for this pizza?

Yes, ciabatta or a sturdy baguette can work well as alternatives to French bread, as long as the bread is firm enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.

Is it better to use homemade BBQ sauce or store-bought?

Both work well for this recipe. Homemade BBQ sauce allows you to customize the flavor, but a good-quality store-bought sauce saves time and still delivers great taste.

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe

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4.7 from 319 reviews

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy toasted French bread topped with tangy barbecue chicken, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and fresh red onion, finished with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Base

• 1 (12- to 14-oz.) loaf French bread

Chicken Topping

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 6 oz.)
• 1 cup store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, divided, plus more for serving

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella (about 8 oz.)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or gouda (about 2 oz.)

Additional Toppings

• 1/2 small red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Bread: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Slice the French bread loaf lengthwise; if the loaf is long, cut it crosswise into four pieces to fit the baking sheet. Place the bread slices cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Toast Bread: Toast the bread in the oven for about 5 minutes, until the surface feels slightly dry and the edges begin to turn golden brown. This ensures a crispy base for the pizza.
3. Mix Chicken and Cheese: While the bread is toasting, toss the cooked shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce in a medium bowl until well coated. In another bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
4. Assemble the Pizza: Spread 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over each piece of toasted bread, ensuring you reach the edges. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over the sauce, then scatter the thinly sliced red onions on top. Distribute the BBQ chicken mixture next, and finally top with the remaining cheese mixture.
5. Bake the Pizza: Bake the assembled pizzas in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and has golden brown spots.
6. Finish and Serve: Once baked, drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the pizzas and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh, tangy finish.

Notes

• Using French bread as the base gives a crispy crust that holds toppings well.
• You can substitute chicken with turkey or a vegetarian protein for variation.
• Adjust BBQ sauce amount to taste or use a spicy version for heat.
• Onions can be caramelized for a sweeter flavor twist.
• For a cheesier pizza, feel free to increase the cheese quantities.

Keywords: BBQ chicken pizza, French bread pizza, easy dinner, BBQ sauce pizza, shredded chicken pizza