Barbecued Chicken Pizza
A flavorful and easy-to-make pizza featuring shredded chicken coated in barbecue sauce, topped with fresh tomatoes, cheese, and herbs—perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- In a small bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken and barbecue sauce; mix well.
- Place the prebaked thin crust bread shell on an ungreased pizza pan.
- Spread the chicken and barbecue sauce mixture over the shell.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes over the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese and dried basil over the top.
- Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread shell is browned.
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked barbecue sauce or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture. You can substitute the Monterey Jack or Mozzarella cheese with any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or gouda. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables. This recipe is great for using up leftovers from dishes like Easy Wings.
Serving Suggestions
This Barbecued Chicken Pizza is perfect for a casual gathering or game day. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cool Chicken Salad as a refreshing side dish. For a fun twist, try adding jalapeños or red onions for extra flavor and heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the pizza for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, but the crust may become slightly soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Chicken Pizza contains roughly 964 calories, with 34g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (472% of the Daily Value), iron (198% of the Daily Value), and calcium (87% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1177mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of bread for the crust?
Absolutely! While a thin crust Italian bread shell works well, you can also use a traditional pizza crust or even a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the baking time according to the crust type you choose.
How can I make this pizza spicier?
To add some heat to your Barbecued Chicken Pizza, consider mixing in diced jalapeños with the chicken and barbecue sauce or topping the pizza with sliced fresh jalapeños before baking. You could also use a spicy barbecue sauce to enhance the flavor.
Can I prepare this pizza in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza in advance by assembling it without baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for busy days!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).