Chamli Nawod Introduction
Why BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pizza is a Crowd Favorite
If you’re looking for the kind of pizza that disappears in seconds at game night, BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pizza is that one. It’s smoky, cheesy, a little tangy, and ridiculously satisfying. Bacon brings the crunch and saltiness, while the BBQ sauce adds a bold, sweet-savory twist.
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
This isn’t your average pizza recipe. We’re going big on flavor with layers of melty cheese, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and a BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. And best of all? It’s incredibly easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional garnish)
Optional Toppings for Extra Flavor
- Jalapeño slices
- Pineapple chunks
- Sweet corn
- Smoked gouda
Recommended Sauces and Cheeses
- Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubbs for BBQ sauce
- Mozzarella for melty texture
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack for sharpness
Tools and Equipment
Kitchen Essentials
Time-Saving Tools
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- Kitchen scissors for bacon
Preparing the Pizza Dough
Homemade Dough vs Store-Bought
You can go either way here. Store-bought dough saves time, but homemade gives you that extra chewy-crispy magic. If you’ve got 15 extra minutes, go for the homemade option below.
Quick Homemade Dough Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Activate yeast in warm water with sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Mix in flour, salt, and oil. Knead until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
Making the BBQ Chicken
Cooking and Shredding the Chicken
Boil, bake, or grill your chicken. Just make sure it’s tender. Then shred it using two forks or a stand mixer.
Best BBQ Sauces to Use
Go bold or sweet depending on your style. Some top picks:
- Sweet Baby Ray’s (for a sweet kick)
- Stubbs (for a smokier, tangier taste)
- Homemade BBQ sauce if you’re feeling fancy
Crispy Bacon – The Right Way
Frying vs Baking Bacon
Baking wins every time. It’s cleaner, easier, and gives a consistent crunch.
How to Bake Bacon:
- Line a baking tray with foil.
- Bake at 400°F for 15-20 mins.
- Let cool, then chop or crumble.
Prepping Bacon Bits
Once cooled, crumble or dice the bacon into small bits for even distribution.
Assembling the Pizza
Sauce First or Cheese First?
Always go sauce → cheese → toppings. That way, everything gets perfectly melty and stays in place.
Layering Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Spread BBQ sauce evenly.
- Sprinkle half the cheese.
- Add chicken and bacon.
- Top with red onions.
- Finish with remaining cheese.
Baking Your Pizza to Perfection
Ideal Oven Temperature
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven = crispy crust.
How to Get That Crispy Bottom
- Use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown.
Creative Twists on the Classic
Spicy BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pizza
Add sliced jalapeños and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
Ranch-Drizzle Version
Drizzle ranch dressing over the baked pizza for creamy contrast.
Hawaiian Style Add-Ons
Toss on some pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory hit.
Tips for Meal Prepping and Storage
Freezing and Reheating Tips
- Freeze baked slices between parchment paper.
- Reheat at 375°F for 10 mins for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
Making Ahead for Parties
Prep and par-bake the crust, then add toppings just before baking.
Perfect Pairings
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
- Caesar salad
- Garlic knots
- Grilled corn on the cob
Drink Recommendations
- Cold IPA or lager
- Iced tea
- Classic cola or root beer
Mistakes to Avoid
Overloading Toppings
Too many toppings = soggy crust. Keep it balanced.
Using Too Much Sauce
A little goes a long way. You want flavor, not soup.
BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza for Special Diets
Gluten-Free Options
Use gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust.
Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Swaps
Swap dough for a cheese or almond flour base and skip the onions.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macros
Approx. per slice (1/8 of a 12-inch pizza):
- 280–350 calories
- 14g fat
- 25g carbs
- 18g protein
Healthier Substitutes
- Use turkey bacon
- Swap cheddar for part-skim mozzarella
- Add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pizza isn’t just a recipe—it’s a whole vibe. Whether you’re cooking for friends, feeding the fam, or just want to treat yourself on a Friday night, this pizza hits every time. Customize it, bake it your way, and make it yours. Because honestly, once you try this combo, there’s no going back to plain ol’ pepperoni.
❓ FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It saves time and tastes amazing with BBQ sauce.
How long does this pizza keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What’s the best cheese combo for this recipe?
Mozzarella and cheddar is a classic. Add a bit of smoked gouda for extra depth.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, if your air fryer is large enough. Cook at 375°F for 8–10 mins.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Use less sauce, and bake on a hot stone or tray for crispier results.
