BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe

This mouthwatering BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero! Crispy French bread topped with tender chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and sweet red onions creates a meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 20 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table quickly!
• Family Favorite: The combination of crispy bread, BBQ chicken, and melty cheese is absolutely irresistible for kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: The basic recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily modify it with your favorite toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank, especially if you’re using leftover chicken.
• Minimal Cleanup: Just one baking sheet means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• French Bread: Creates the perfect sturdy base that gets crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. A day-old loaf works wonderfully here.
• Cooked Chicken: Use leftovers from a previous meal or rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience. The chicken adds hearty protein to make this a complete meal.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides that sweet, tangy flavor that makes this dish special. Choose your favorite brand – smoky, sweet, or spicy all work beautifully.
• Cheddar Cheese: Creates that perfect gooey, melty layer that brings everything together. Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor, but mild works too.
• Red Onions: Adds a pop of color, crunch, and a slight sweetness that balances the tangy BBQ sauce. Slice them thinly so they cook perfectly.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Swap chicken for pulled pork, ground beef, or sliced steak for a delicious twist. For a vegetarian version, try using black beans or roasted cauliflower tossed in BBQ sauce.

Cheese Variations

While cheddar is classic, pepper jack adds a nice kick, or try a Mexican blend for something different. Smoked gouda or mozzarella also work wonderfully.

Additional Toppings

Take it to the next level with bacon bits, sliced jalapeños, diced bell peppers, or pineapple chunks. Fresh cilantro scattered after baking adds a bright finish.

Sauce Alternatives

Try a combination of BBQ and ranch or buffalo sauce for a different flavor profile. You could also use a BBQ-ranch hybrid sauce for the best of both worlds.

How to Make BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Slice your French bread loaf in half lengthwise and place the halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a medium bowl, toss the cubed cooked chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated. Make sure every piece gets a nice coating of sauce for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

Distribute the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over both halves of the French bread. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, ensuring good coverage. Scatter the thinly sliced red onions over the top.

Step 4: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble, and the edges of the bread are golden and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for just a minute or two. Cut into 2-inch pieces and serve immediately while hot and gooey!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toast the Bread First: For extra crispy bread, toast the French bread for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
• Room Temperature Cheese: Let your cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling on the bread – it’ll melt more evenly.
• Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, too much can make the bread soggy. Keep it balanced.
• Slice Onions Thin: Paper-thin onion slices will cook perfectly in the short baking time.
• Use a Serrated Knife: When cutting your finished pizza, a serrated knife will give you clean slices without squishing the toppings.

How to Serve

Main Course

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pizza.

Side Options

A small bowl of coleslaw or some sweet potato fries makes this a complete meal with contrasting textures.

Beverage Pairings

Cold beer, lemonade, or sweet tea all complement the BBQ flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The bread may soften a bit, but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze fully assembled but unbaked French bread pizzas. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Add 5-7 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes rather than using the microwave. This helps re-crisp the bread while warming the toppings.

FAQs

Can I use chicken that isn’t already cooked?
Raw chicken won’t cook properly in the short baking time. Always use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. If you only have raw chicken, cook it first by baking, grilling, or poaching before proceeding with the recipe.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?
This is completely up to your personal preference! A classic sweet and smoky BBQ sauce works wonderfully, but feel free to use spicy, honey, or even a Carolina-style vinegar-based sauce if that’s what you enjoy. The flavor of the sauce will be front and center, so choose one you love.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free baguette or bread for the French bread. Most BBQ sauces are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
If you’re concerned about soggy bread, you can lightly toast the bread first for about 5 minutes before adding toppings. Also, avoid using chicken that’s too wet – pat it dry before tossing with BBQ sauce if needed.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is truly a weeknight dinner champion! It’s one of those recipes that proves delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The combination of crispy bread, tangy BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, and melty cheese creates a meal that feels like a treat without any fuss. Give it a try the next time you need a quick dinner solution – I’m confident it will become a regular in your meal rotation!

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