My college cafeteria first introduced me to BBQ chicken pizza. At first I didn't understand. BBQ sauce and chicken on my pizza? What was this?? Why were so many of my peers so excited to see it on the menu?
You see, I must have lived a sheltered life when it came to pizza. It took me a while to branch out from just a pepperoni topping. Until college, I was drawing the line at pineapple and ham. Little did I know that other concoctions would soon rock my world.
As far as the BBQ chicken pizza...It was love at first bite.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
half batch Perfect Pizza Crust
1 1/2 to 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp of your favorite BBQ sauce
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Place pizza stone in the lower third of the oven. Heat the oven to 500˚ for at least 30 minutes. Shape the pizza crust dough and transfer to a pizza peel or sheet of parchment paper dusted with semolina or cornmeal.
In a small bowl, stir together the chicken and 1/4 cup BBQ sauce; set aside.
In another small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the remaining 2 Tbsp BBQ sauce. Spread the mixture evenly on the pizza crust. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Next, layer the chicken and red onions, then top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
Slide the dough onto the pizza stone. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes.
Garnish with green onions and cilantro.
Source: Perfect Pizza Crust adapted from Annie’s Eats, originally from Baking Illustrated. BBQ Chicken Pizza is Pennies on a Platter original.
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