BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza: A Flavorful Twist on Pizza Night

Looking to spice up your pizza night? Try making BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza! This easy-to-make dish combines the crisp, hearty base of French bread with savory barbecue chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and a tangy BBQ sauce. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza offers a fun and delicious alternative to traditional pizza.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients and instructions to create this delicious pizza, share advanced techniques to elevate the flavor, discuss storage and reheating tips, and provide dietary adaptations for different needs.

For more pizza-inspired ideas, check out these mouthwatering flatbreads or try out this BBQ chicken pizza recipe for more BBQ flavor.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Diabetic

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Description

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is an easy and delicious twist on traditional pizza! Topped with shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh red onions, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer. The crispy, buttery French bread base adds the perfect crunch, while fresh cilantro gives it a burst of flavor. This pizza is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

1 loaf French bread
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the French Bread:
Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise, creating two large halves.
Spread the softened butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Sprinkle with garlic salt for extra flavor.
Toast the Bread:
Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the bread is golden and slightly crispy.
Prepare the Toppings:
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
Assemble the Pizzas:
Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven.
Evenly spread the BBQ chicken mixture over each half of the French bread.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
Bake the Pizza:
Return the pizzas to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add the Toppings:
Remove the pizzas from the oven and top with thinly sliced red onions and fresh cilantro.
Serve:
Slice the pizza into individual pieces and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook some chicken breasts and shred them for the topping.
BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use any BBQ sauce you prefer. You can also add a spicy kick with a bit of hot sauce mixed into the BBQ sauce.
Customization: You can add extra toppings like jalapeños, bacon, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for added flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Cuisine:

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 400
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Prepare the French Bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Place the two halves of bread cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and garlic salt. Spread the garlic butter evenly on the cut sides of the French bread.
Add the BBQ Sauce: Spoon the BBQ sauce over the buttered bread halves, spreading it evenly to coat the surface.
Top with Chicken and Cheese: Layer the shredded chicken evenly on top of the BBQ sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Add the thinly sliced red onion on top of the cheese.
Bake the Pizza: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is crispy around the edges.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Slice the pizza into individual portions and serve!

Advanced Techniques

While this BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza recipe is simple, there are several ways you can enhance its flavor and texture:

1. Add Extra BBQ Flavor

If you love BBQ flavor, brush some additional BBQ sauce over the top of the pizza after baking. This will give the pizza an extra layer of tanginess and richness. You can also mix some of the BBQ sauce with the shredded chicken before adding it to the bread for a deeper BBQ flavor.

2. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience

To save time, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and use it in place of the cooked chicken in the recipe. It’s an easy shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

3. Experiment with Cheese

While cheddar cheese is a great choice for BBQ chicken pizza, you can experiment with other cheeses as well. A blend of mozzarella and provolone would add a delicious meltiness, or you could try a sharp cheese like Monterey Jack or gouda for added depth of flavor.

4. Add Vegetables for Extra Texture

For more texture and flavor, consider adding some vegetables to the pizza, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn. These can be added along with the red onion to bring even more freshness and color to the dish.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

If you have leftover BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza, don’t worry! This dish stores and reheats very well, so you can enjoy it the next day or even freeze it for future meals.

Storage:

In the Refrigerator: Once the pizza has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
In the Freezer: If you want to save the pizza for a later date, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices of pizza tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The pizza can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Note that the bread may not stay as crispy when microwaved.
Oven: For the best results, reheat the pizza in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread has crisped up again.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is already quite versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and restrictions. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and adaptations:

Gluten-Free Version:

For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free French bread or a gluten-free baguette. Be sure to check the BBQ sauce for gluten-containing ingredients as well, and opt for a gluten-free brand if needed.

Vegetarian Version:

To make this pizza vegetarian, you can swap the shredded chicken for a plant-based alternative. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can also be used as toppings in place of meat.

Dairy-Free Version:

If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can use dairy-free cheese in place of the cheddar cheese. Make sure your BBQ sauce is dairy-free as well. There are many great dairy-free cheese options available that will still melt nicely and add flavor to the pizza.

Low-Carb Version:

To make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly, replace the French bread with a low-carb bread option or a cauliflower crust. This will give you the same great toppings while keeping the carb count low.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use a different type of bread for the base?

Yes! While French bread gives this pizza a nice texture, you can experiment with other types of bread like Italian bread, baguettes, or even pita bread for smaller, individual servings.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pizza ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve it.

Can I freeze this BBQ chicken pizza?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove it from the freezer and bake as directed.

What BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?

Any BBQ sauce you like will work! If you prefer a tangy, vinegar-based sauce, opt for that. If you like something sweeter, choose a classic sweet BBQ sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s. You can also experiment with smoky or spicy BBQ sauces for an extra kick.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and sure to satisfy your craving for a cheesy, savory meal. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a lazy weekend lunch, this dish is always a hit.

By following the simple steps in this recipe and using a few advanced techniques, you can create a flavor-packed pizza that’s as tasty as it is easy. So grab a loaf of French bread, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering BBQ chicken pizza!

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