BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a quick and delicious meal that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue chicken with the crispy texture of French bread. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or a game day snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Step 2: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Butter each half evenly and sprinkle with garlic salt. Bake for 5-8 minutes until the bread is toasty and the edges turn golden brown.
- Step 3: Spread BBQ sauce on each bread half. Sprinkle one-quarter of the cheddar cheese on each, then evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the cheese. Add the remaining cheese on top, followed by the thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 4: Bake the prepared bread halves for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese melts completely and the toppings are heated through. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
- Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella for a milder, gooier texture.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Try different BBQ sauces like smoky chipotle or sweet honey for varied flavors.
- For extra crispiness, broil the pizza for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the shredded chicken with grilled vegetables or plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian version.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Any BBQ sauce you prefer can be used, but a smoky or sweet sauce typically pairs well with the cheddar and chicken flavors.
PrintBBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe
This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is an easy and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, featuring tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheddar cheese atop crispy toasted French bread. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread and Base
- 1 loaf French bread
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Toppings
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to prepare for toasting the bread and baking the pizza.
- Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Spread softened butter evenly on each half, then sprinkle garlic salt over the buttered surfaces. Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes until the tops are toasty and the edges turn golden brown.
- Add sauce and toppings: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Spread BBQ sauce generously over each half. Then add a quarter of the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the shredded chicken, and top with the remaining cheese. Distribute the thinly sliced red onions evenly over the top.
- Bake the pizza: Return the assembled bread pizzas to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the toppings are heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover shredded chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend of both for a different flavor.
- For extra spice, add sliced jalapeños along with the red onion.
- To make it gluten free, substitute the French bread with gluten-free bread or baguette.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Pizza, French Bread Pizza, Quick Dinner, Easy Pizza, BBQ Chicken Recipe
