Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Base
- 1 pound Fresh pizza dough (thawed overnight if frozen)
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (divided, plus additional drizzle for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Fresh ground black pepper
Chicken Topping
- 2 cups Shredded chicken breast
- ½ of a Small red onion (very thinly sliced)
Cheese
- ½ cup Freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garlic Butter
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 clove Garlic (pressed or grated)
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450℉ and position the rack in the lower third. If you have a pizza stone, place it on the rack to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crisp bottom crust.
- Prepare the Dough: Stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a surface dusted with cornmeal, such as a cutting board or pizza peel. Dock the dough by gently poking with a fork to prevent large air bubbles. If using a sheet pan, transfer the dough to it and reshape if necessary. For dough that is hard to stretch, cover it and let it rest for 10 minutes before retrying.
- Make Garlic Butter: Combine the butter, pressed garlic, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted, about 30 seconds, then brush this flavorful butter evenly over the entire pizza crust.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until well combined. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture on top, followed by sprinkling both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and finish with the thinly sliced red onion.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully place the pizza on the preheated pizza stone or sheet pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired. Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes to set, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Resting the dough makes it easier to stretch and prevents tearing.
- Docking the dough helps avoid large bubbles forming while baking.
- Use a pizza stone if available for a crispier crust.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to suit your taste preference, more for extra tang.
- Fresh cilantro garnish adds a refreshing contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
