BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
The ultimate comfort food, BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is crispy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or fun gatherings, this dish will satisfy your cravings in no time. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors tonight!
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
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
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
- 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.