Name: BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
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 cup red onion (thinly sliced); to taste Fresh cilantro

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a cozy night in, and what better way to embrace that than with BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza? I remember the first time I made this dish; it was one of those spontaneous evenings when friends dropped by unannounced. I wanted to whip up something quick yet delicious, and this recipe popped into my head. The blend of flavors, from the tangy BBQ sauce to the melty cheddar cheese, created a comforting meal that had everyone raving. As we gathered around the table, I realized that food has this magical ability to bring people together, and this pizza was the star of the show.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
420 kcal

Protein:
28 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
21 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Oven, Baking Sheet

Why We Love This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

Quick to Prepare

This yummy dish is perfect for those weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With prep and cook time totaling around thirty minutes, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.

Versatile Toppings

One of my favorite things about BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is how easy it is to customize. Don’t have red onion? Leave it out! Want to add some jalapeños for a kick? Go for it! This recipe can easily adapt to your taste or what you have on hand.

Perfect for Sharing

This dish is great for gatherings. Whether it’s game night or a casual dinner with family, everyone loves pizza. Its unique twist on traditional pizza makes it a fun option that’s sure to impress your guests.

Comfort Food at Its Best

With its crispy crust and cheesy layer, BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is the epitome of comfort food. It’s filling yet satisfying, making it a go-to for anyone looking for a hearty dish.

Kid-Friendly Meal

Kids adore pizza, and they’ll love the chance to help make it too! Let them sprinkle the cheese or add their favorite toppings. It’s a great way to involve them in the cooking process.

Easy Cleanup

Using French bread as the base means you have less mess. There’s no need to work with dough, and you can simply throw away or recycle the packaging once you’re done. Clean up is a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal.

What Goes Into BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

The ingredients for BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza are not only simple but also work harmoniously to create a symphony of flavors. Each component plays its part, with the French bread serving as the perfect canvas for the toppings. The combination of BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese brings a satisfying sweetness and savory depth, while the red onion adds a crisp bite. Fresh cilantro on top takes the flavors up a notch, giving a fresh finish that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese.

1 loaf French bread: This serves as the base of our pizza. It’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for holding all the toppings.
4 tablespoons butter, softened: Used to coat the bread, it adds richness and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt: This seasoning enhances flavor, giving a lovely garlic touch to the base.
1 cup BBQ sauce: The star of this dish! It provides the sweet and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
2 cups shredded chicken: Cooked and shredded, it adds protein and complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy texture to the pizza.
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: A great addition for crunch and a bit of sharpness.
Fresh cilantro: This garnish adds a bright note and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Prepare BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

Making BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a fun and straightforward process. Just follow these easy steps to create a dish that will impress your friends and family. You’ll be able to enjoy a delightful homemade pizza in just a few minutes!

Preheat your oven to 350˚F. This temperature is perfect for achieving a crispy crust while melting the cheese nicely.
Slice the French bread in half lengthwise to create two long pieces. This will give you a solid foundation for your pizza.
Butter each half of the bread generously using the softened butter. Ensure you cover the surface well to help with browning.
Sprinkle the garlic salt evenly over the buttered bread. This will infuse the base with a lovely garlic flavor as it bakes.
Place the bread in the preheated oven for about 5 to 8 minutes. You want the top to become toasty and the edges to turn golden brown, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
Remove the bread from the oven and spread the BBQ sauce generously on each side. Ensure even coverage for maximum flavor.
Add the shredded chicken on top of the sauce, distributing it evenly between the two halves. This will offer a hearty portion of protein in every bite.
Now, sprinkle a quarter of the shredded cheddar cheese over each half, creating a delicious cheesy layer.
Finish by adding the remaining cheese on top of the chicken, ensuring the pizza is well-covered. Then, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over both halves for added crunch and flavor.
Return the loaded bread to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes. Look for the cheese to be fully melted and the toppings heated through.
Once out of the oven, top with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Cut into pieces and serve immediately!

Things Worth Knowing

Watch the cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts, aiming for a bubbly and slightly golden appearance.
Customize toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, like mushrooms or bell peppers, to personalize your pizza.
Don’t skip the butter: Buttering the bread ensures a rich flavor and a tasty crust.
Serve hot: For the best experience, serve your pizza hot from the oven for that gooey cheese effect.

Making Adjustments

When cooking, adjustments can make a big difference in your dish. Here are some tips to elevate your BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza experience:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked pizzas for up to a month. Assemble them, wrap tightly, and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pizza.
Experiment: Try using different types of bread, like baguette or ciabatta, for variety.
Cheese blend: Mixing different cheeses, such as mozzarella and gouda, can add depth to the flavor.
Spice it up: Add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Serve This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza With

Serving BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a delightful experience, and you can elevate the meal with the following suggestions:

Fresh Salad: A side of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the pizza perfectly.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing and crunchy texture, balancing the heavy pizza.
Fries: Serve with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a comfort food feast.
Occasions: Ideal for casual gatherings, game nights, or even family movie nights.
Seasonal Pairings: In summer, consider pairing with grilled vegetables or fruit salad for a lighter touch.
Drinks: Pair with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink option during hot days.

FAQ

Absolutely! While French bread is a fantastic choice due to its crispiness and texture, you can experiment with various types like ciabatta or even sourdough. Just ensure that whatever bread you use can hold the toppings without getting too soggy. Each type of bread will give a different flavor and texture to your pizza, so feel free to get creative!

To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly. This method will maintain the crispy texture of the bread, which is key to enjoying this dish!

Yes, you can freeze unbaked pizzas for future convenience! Just assemble your pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready at your fingertips!

The best part about BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is its versatility! You can add ingredients like sliced jalapeños for heat, bell peppers for crunch, or even olives for a briny flavor. Don’t forget to mix different cheeses for a more complex taste. Feel free to customize based on your favorite toppings or what you have on hand!

Definitely! Kids love pizza, and this version is simple enough to let them help in the kitchen. You can let them sprinkle cheese or add their favorite toppings, making it a fun cooking experience. Plus, the combination of flavors is usually a hit with children, making it a great choice for family dinners!

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza truly stands out as a unique and delicious dish that combines all the best elements of comfort food. Its crispy base topped with savory flavors makes it a winner in any household. I encourage you to give it a try and see how this easy and satisfying recipe can become a staple in your home. Whether it’s for a quick dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s sure to impress!