BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
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BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza: the ultimate weeknight dinner hack that moonlights as a game day MVP. Crispy bread, smoky BBQ sauce, cheesy goodness, and shredded chicken all come together faster than your team’s halftime break. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing your football crew, this quick and easy recipe scores every time!
Make it a meal and serve this up with some of my favorite side dish recipes! Crispy baked onion rings, loaded tots, or crispy potatoes check all of the boxes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with kids, adults, and even picky eaters.
- Game Day Favorite: It’s finger food that’s filling, cheesy, and totally shareable.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like red onions, cilantro, or extra cheese.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but craving something hearty and flavorful. With a crispy bread base, smoky barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese, it comes together in minutes using simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or when you need a quick comfort food fix!
The best part? It’s totally customizable. Swap the chicken for pulled pork, toss on jalapeños for heat, or drizzle ranch for extra flavor. This quick recipe guarantees big flavor with minimal effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza couldn’t be easier! Here’s what you’ll need to create this quick and flavorful dish:
- French Bread: A loaf of French bread serves as the perfect base, offering a crispy crust and soft interior. Lightly toasting the bread before adding toppings prevents sogginess and enhances the crunch.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken, like rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, makes this recipe a breeze. Warming it up before assembly helps the meat soak up the barbecue sauce for maximum flavor.
- Sauce: Your favorite barbecue sauce brings smoky-sweet goodness to every bite. A dash of hot sauce or a drizzle of honey can easily customize the flavor to your liking.
- Cheese – Mozzarella and Cheddar: Mozzarella delivers that classic melty goodness, while cheddar adds a sharp, tangy twist. For the creamiest melt, shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-packaged varieties.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions add a sweet crunch and vibrant color. To mellow their sharpness, soak them in cold water for a few minutes before topping your pizza.
These simple, flavorful ingredients come together in no time, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Variations and Substitutions
French Bread Pizza is incredibly versatile, so you can easily swap ingredients to fit your preferences or what’s in your fridge. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Bread Swap: No French bread? Use a baguette, ciabatta, or even naan for a fun twist. English muffins work great for personal-sized pizzas!
- Chicken Alternatives: Don’t have cooked chicken? Try shredded pork, ground beef, or even crispy bacon. For a vegetarian version, swap in roasted veggies or jackfruit.
- Sauce Variations: Classic BBQ sauce is a favorite, but you can switch it up with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick or ranch dressing for a creamier base.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella and cheddar are staples, pepper jack adds a spicy flair, or try gouda for a smoky undertone. Dairy-free cheese works too if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Topping Ideas: Add flair with jalapeños for heat, pineapple for a sweet touch, or bell peppers for extra crunch. Fresh cilantro or a drizzle of ranch at the end takes it up a notch.
With so many ways to customize, this recipe never gets old—perfect for picky eaters, adventurous foodies, or anyone in between!
BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe
Making BBQ French Bread Pizza is as simple as it gets, perfect for busy nights or game day snacks. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy pizza everyone will love!
- Here’s how to make it: Start by slicing a loaf of French bread in half lengthwise.
- Spread BBQ sauce over each half, then top with shredded chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, and thinly sliced red onions.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
In no time, you’ll have a family favorite that’s both quick and customizable. Serve it up with a fresh salad or your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza stores and reheats like a champ, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day snacks.
- Storage: Let the pizza cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess. Wrap individual slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap slices in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: For the crispiest results, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake slices on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a quick, crispy reheat.
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, microwave for 30-45 seconds, but note the bread may soften.
These simple storage and reheating tips will help keep your pizza as delicious as when it first came out of the oven!
Tips For Success:
Toast the Bread First
Lightly toast the French bread in the oven for 3-5 minutes before adding toppings. This keeps it from getting soggy and ensures a crisp base.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting. For the best gooey, cheesy texture, shred your mozzarella and cheddar from a block.
Warm the Chicken
Warm your shredded chicken before adding it to the pizza. This helps it absorb the barbecue sauce better and ensures even heating.
Customize the Sauce
Want to amp up the flavor? Mix your barbecue sauce with a teaspoon of honey for sweetness or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Layer Ingredients Evenly
Spread the chicken, cheese, and onions evenly over the bread to ensure each bite is loaded with flavor and the pizza cooks consistently.
Use Parchment Paper
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the bread from sticking.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! While French bread provides a sturdy base, you can use ciabatta, a baguette, or even naan. For individual portions, English muffins or bagels work great too.
Use your favorite! Sweet, smoky, or spicy barbecue sauces all work well. If you’re unsure, a classic sweet and smoky sauce is a safe bet.
Yes, the chicken should be fully cooked before adding it to the pizza. Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftover shredded chicken all work perfe
Lightly toast the bread in the oven for 3-5 minutes before adding the toppings. This creates a crisp base and prevents sogginess from the sauce.
Yes! Freeze the fully assembled but unbaked pizza. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
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BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 loaf french bread
- 1 cup shredded chicken
- 1 cup bbq sauce (divided)
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
- red onion (sliced)
- green onion or cilantro (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Slice the loaf of French bread in half lengthwise and place both halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce evenly across each piece of bread, using a spoon or spatula.
- Top the sauce with shredded cooked chicken, spreading it out to cover the bread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the chicken, ensuring every bite gets cheesy goodness.
- Add thinly sliced red onions on top for a pop of flavor and crunch.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute or two, then slice into pieces and serve.
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Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
