BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

$- 1 large French bread loaf - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup corn (canned or frozen) To make BBQ chicken French bread pizza, start with a fresh French bread loaf. This bread gives you a crunchy base. Next, you need cooked chicken mixed with BBQ sauce. The sauce adds a sweet and smoky flavor. Add mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey texture. Red onion and corn bring extra taste and color to your pizza. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Garlic powder adds depth to the chicken mix. Don’t forget salt and pepper! These spices boost the flavor of your dish. Use them to suit your taste. - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped Fresh cilantro is a great finishing touch. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. You can sprinkle it over the pizza right before serving. If you like, try other herbs too! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up. - In a bowl, mix 1 cup of shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined. - Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over each half of the French bread. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. - Add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion and 1/2 cup of corn on top of the cheese. - Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for melted cheese and golden brown edges. - When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. - Garnish with chopped cilantro before slicing into pieces. Achieving the perfect cheese melt To get that ideal cheese melt, use fresh mozzarella. Fresh cheese melts better than pre-shredded types. Shred the cheese yourself for a creamier texture. Bake until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. This will give you that delicious, stretchy cheese effect. Preventing soggy bread To keep your bread from getting soggy, toast it lightly before adding toppings. A quick bake for 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) helps. This step creates a barrier. Also, avoid adding too much BBQ sauce. Less sauce means a drier base. Adding spices to the chicken mixture Spice up your chicken with a dash of chili powder or cumin. They add depth and warmth to the BBQ flavor. You might also use smoked paprika. It gives a rich, smoky taste that pairs well with BBQ sauce. Using different cheeses While mozzarella is classic, try mixing it up. Cheddar adds a sharp bite. Pepper jack can bring heat. A blend of cheeses can enhance flavor and texture, giving each bite a new taste. Best sides to complement the pizza Pair your pizza with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well. You might also serve it with corn on the cob or coleslaw. These sides balance the meal and add crunch. Drizzling strategies for extra BBQ sauce Drizzle more BBQ sauce on top right before serving. This adds extra flavor and looks great. Use a squeeze bottle for control. You can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping. It gives everyone the option to add more as they like. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or bell peppers for an extra kick. Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the pizza while it bakes to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn, as oven times may vary. Serve with Dips: Pair your pizza with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a delicious dipping option. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in this dish. Instead of chicken, try pulled pork or beef. These options add a rich flavor. They complement the BBQ sauce well. If you want a vegetarian choice, go for black beans or grilled veggies. These can provide a hearty base and great taste. BBQ sauce is key, but feel free to experiment. Try different BBQ sauces for new flavors. Some sauces are sweeter, while others are smoky or tangy. You can even use spicy sauces if you like heat. This adds a fun kick to your pizza. Toppings can really change the game. Adding sliced peppers or jalapeños brings a fresh crunch. They add nice color and spice. Try different cheeses too! Cheddar or pepper jack can give a bold taste. Mixing cheeses can create a unique flavor blend. To keep your BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigerating: Place any leftover pizza in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps the bread from drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Freezing for later: If you want to save pizza for a longer time, freeze it. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. - Methods for reheating pizza: You can use an oven or a toaster oven for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes. This method warms it evenly. - Tips for maintaining crispiness: To keep the bread crispy, avoid using a microwave. If you do use a microwave, place a cup of water next to the pizza. This helps to prevent sogginess. Enjoy your reheated pizza just like it was fresh out of the oven! Yes, you can prep this pizza ahead. First, cook the chicken and mix with BBQ sauce. Store this mix in the fridge for up to two days. Slice the French bread and store it separately. When you're ready, spread the chicken mix on the bread. Add cheese and toppings, then bake. This way, you enjoy fresh pizza quickly. I like using a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray's and Stubb's work well. You can also try smoky sauce for a deeper flavor. If you love spice, look for sauces with a kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with local brands too! For a gluten-free version, swap the French bread with gluten-free bread. Many stores sell good options now. Check the BBQ sauce label to ensure it's gluten-free. Also, use cheese and toppings that are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! This blog post offers a fun recipe for BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza. You learned about key ingredients like French bread, chicken, and cheese. I shared steps for prepping and baking, plus tips for perfect results. You can even try different proteins and sauces. Remember to store leftovers correctly for the best taste later. Try this recipe for a tasty meal that you can customize. Enjoy every bite and make it your own!$

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

A delicious and easy-to-make pizza using French bread topped with BBQ chicken, cheese, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 large French bread loaf
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1 2 BBQ sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 2 corn (canned or frozen)
1 4 cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet, cut side up.
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over each half of the French bread.
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
Add the sliced red onion and corn on top of the cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before slicing into pieces.

Notes

Serve sliced on a wooden cutting board with extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top for dipping. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for color.

Keyword BBQ chicken, French bread, pizza