Are you craving pizza night but want a healthier, more flavourful option than your usual takeout? This BBQ chicken pizza recipe is the perfect solution! It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with delicious BBQ flavour, and a much healthier alternative to traditional pizzas. Get ready to impress your family with this quick dinner idea that's both satisfying and good for you. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a simple way to enjoy homemade cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
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For the Pizza Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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For the BBQ Chicken Topping:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (choose a low-sugar variety)
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (part-skim for a healthier option)
Instructions:
Making the Pizza Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to your desired thickness and size.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce.
- Top with sliced red onions and bell peppers.
- Finally, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your BBQ chicken pizza immediately. A simple side salad makes a perfect accompaniment. For an extra touch, consider a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce after baking.
Tips and Variations:
- For a gluten-free pizza: Use a pre-made gluten-free pizza dough or crust.
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Get creative with toppings: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or corn.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or chickpeas.
- Use different cheese: Try a blend of mozzarella and provolone, or even some feta cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 350-400 | Protein: 25-30g | Fat: 12-15g | Carbohydrates: 40-45g
This delicious and healthy BBQ chicken pizza is a perfect example of easy recipes that don't compromise on flavour. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying homemade meal!