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BBQ chicken pizza slice with stretchy mozzarella cheese pull and caramelized onions

Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza with Caramelized Onions and Fresh Cilantro

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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 8 slices

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1–1.5 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided (2 tbsp for chicken, remainder for pizza base)
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded, divided
  • 1/2 medium red onion, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust edges)
  • All-purpose flour (for rolling surface)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up.
  • On a well-floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Brush the outer crust edges with olive oil.
  • Place the cooked chicken in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce and toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Set aside.
  • Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge for the crust.
  • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  • Distribute the BBQ chicken pieces evenly over the cheese. Layer the thinly sliced red onions on top of the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pizza.
  • Bake in the preheated 475°F oven for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with golden-brown spots.
  • Remove from the oven and immediately scatter the fresh cilantro over the hot pizza.
  • Allow to cool for 2–3 minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

  • Store-bought pizza dough works great and saves time. If using refrigerated dough, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before rolling for easier handling.
  • Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before adding to the pizza - the oven bake time is for the crust and cheese, not for cooking raw meat.
  • Do not overload with toppings or sauce, or the crust may become soggy.
  • Always add fresh cilantro after baking, never before, to preserve its bright flavor and color.
  • Freshly shredded mozzarella melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded bagged cheese.
  • If guests aren't cilantro fans, fresh flat-leaf parsley is a great substitute.

Allergy Information

  • Dairy (cheese)
  • Gluten (pizza dough)
  • Meat (chicken)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28g
  • Protein: 18g
Nutrition information is approximate and provided for general guidance only.