BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a quick and delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining smoky barbecue flavors with melty cheese on a crispy French bread base. Perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Step 2: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Spread the softened butter evenly on each half, then sprinkle the garlic salt over the buttered surfaces. Bake the bread halves for 5-8 minutes, or until the tops are toasty and the edges turn golden brown.
3. Step 3: Remove the bread from the oven and spread BBQ sauce on each half. Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded cheddar cheese on each side, then distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the cheese. Add the remaining cheese on top, followed by the thinly sliced red onions.
4. Step 4: Return the prepared bread halves to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the toppings are heated through. Once done, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toss the shredded chicken in some extra BBQ sauce before topping the bread.
• Use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for a different cheesy texture.
• Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• For a healthier option, use whole grain French bread and lean chicken breast.

Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken French bread pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp, or microwave for 1-2 minutes if short on time, though the crust may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it and mix with BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizza a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bake it fresh before serving to maintain a crispy crust and melted cheese.

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 70 reviews

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza combines crispy toasted French bread with tangy BBQ sauce, tender shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings, making for a delicious and easy-to-make pizza variation perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pizza
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to prepare it for baking the bread and melting the toppings.
2. Prepare the bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Spread softened butter evenly on each half and sprinkle with garlic salt. Place the bread in the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes until the top is toasted and the edges turn golden brown, creating a crispy crust.
3. Add sauces and toppings: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over each half. Layer with 1/4 of the shredded cheddar cheese first, then distribute the shredded chicken evenly followed by the remaining cheese. Top with thinly sliced red onion for a bit of sharpness and crunch.
4. Bake the pizza: Return the assembled bread halves to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the toppings are heated through.
5. Garnish and serve: Once baked, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for added freshness and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
• Feel free to swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
• For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes along with the toppings.
• To make the bread crispier, toast it a little longer before adding the toppings.
• This dish can be customized with additional veggies such as bell peppers or mushrooms if desired.

Keywords: BBQ chicken pizza, French bread pizza, easy pizza recipe, quick dinner, BBQ chicken recipe, baked pizza