Description
BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a quick and easy recipe combining tangy barbecue sauce, tender cooked chicken, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, and crispy French bread for a comforting, flavorful meal or snack. Perfect for casual dinners, game days, and customizable with your favorite toppings, this crowd-pleaser offers a delicious twist on traditional pizza.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 French bread loaf (sturdy, day-old preferred)
BBQ Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the French Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise to create two large flat surfaces. For extra crunch and to prevent sogginess, lightly toast the bread halves in the oven for 5 minutes.
- Mix the BBQ Chicken: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with your preferred amount of barbecue sauce. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated for balanced, saucy flavor.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spoon a generous layer of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over each bread half. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top. Add thin slices of red onion evenly over the cheese, if using. Proper layering ensures each bite has the perfect blend of sauce, protein, and cheese.
- Bake Until Melty and Golden: Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges. Monitor closely to avoid burning the bread crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh aroma. Let the pizza cool slightly, slice into manageable pieces, and serve warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use day-old French bread for a sturdier, less soggy crust.
- Use leftover rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- Don’t overload toppings to prevent soggy bread and messiness.
- For extra bubbly and browned cheese, broil the pizza for the last 1-2 minutes—watch closely.
- Allow the pizza to rest a few minutes before slicing for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg