If you’re craving a dish that combines smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors all in one bite, this BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe is a dream come true. It takes the comforting vibe of pizza and gives it a delightful twist by using crispy French bread as the base, smothered with rich BBQ sauce, tender chicken, melted cheeses, and just the right amount of kick from jalapenos. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe never fails to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in this BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the crust’s crunch to the melty cheese and smoky chicken, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
- French bread (1 loaf): Acts as a sturdy, crispy base that holds all the toppings without getting soggy.
- Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps crisp the bread during pre-baking.
- BBQ sauce (1 cup): The star flavor that brings sweet, tangy, and smoky notes to the pizza.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Tender and juicy, it’s the protein powerhouse; rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, chopped): Provides a touch of sharpness and crunch to balance the richness.
- Jalapeno pepper (1, sliced, optional): Adds a gentle spicy kick for those who like a little heat.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully giving that classic gooey pizza effect.
- Smoked gouda (1 cup, shredded): Brings a unique, smoky depth that elevates the overall flavor.
- Cilantro (a handful, chopped, optional): Freshens each bite with a bright, herbaceous note as a finishing touch.
How to Make BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack in the top third of the oven. This placement ensures that the bread crisps nicely and the cheese melts beautifully without burning.
Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Slice the French bread loaf horizontally as evenly as possible to create two flat halves. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet and spread the softened butter evenly over the surfaces. This step adds flavor and helps create a golden, crispy crust once baked.
Step 3: Crisp the Bread
Bake the buttered bread halves in the preheated oven for about 5 to 6 minutes. This pre-baking crisps the bread just enough so it won’t get soggy when you add the toppings later. After crisping, remove the bread from the oven and get ready to layer all the delicious ingredients.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
Spread a generous layer of your favorite BBQ sauce across each bread half. Next, sprinkle cooked chicken evenly over the sauce, followed by chopped red onions and sliced jalapenos if you like a little spice. After that, distribute the shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses on top. You can save the cilantro for after baking for a fresh burst of flavor or add it now if you prefer it baked in.
Step 5: Bake and Broil
Pop the assembled pizzas back into the oven and bake for about 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For that perfect finish, switch your oven to broil for a few minutes to achieve browned, slightly crispy cheese on top—just watch carefully so nothing burns!
Step 6: Finish and Slice
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the pizza for a fresh, herbal lift if you didn’t add it earlier. Slice the pizza into pieces that suit your appetite, and you’re ready to dig in to this irresistible BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a wonderful aromatic note, cutting through the richness of the cheese and BBQ sauce. For a touch more flavor and texture, try adding thinly sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika for extra color and a smoky hint.
Side Dishes
This hearty pizza pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides to balance out the richness. A fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw are perfect companions. You might also enjoy serving it alongside some roasted vegetables or even a bowl of your favorite soup for a cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party, slice the pizza into small, appetizer-sized pieces and garnish each with a tiny cilantro leaf or jalapeno slice for visual appeal. You can offer BBQ chicken French bread pizza sliders by cutting the bread into smaller buns before topping. It’s also fabulous served on rustic wooden boards for a warm, inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly with foil or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals or snacks without losing that amazing flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked pizza. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn, then store it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake it directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe is in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This method keeps the crust crispy and melts the cheese evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, because the bread can quickly become soggy and the texture suffers.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken from any source works well. You can boil, grill, or bake chicken breasts or thighs, then shred or chop them before adding to the pizza. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient shortcut.
Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and smoked gouda?
While both cheeses together create a fantastic flavor balance, you can use just mozzarella or swap gouda for another cheese like cheddar if you’d prefer. The smoked gouda adds a distinctive smokiness but isn’t mandatory.
How spicy is this pizza with jalapenos?
The jalapenos add a mild to medium heat depending on how many you use and whether you keep the seeds. You can easily adjust the spiciness or omit them entirely for a milder pizza.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with grilled veggies, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a smoky plant-based chicken alternative. The BBQ sauce and cheeses keep it flavorful and satisfying.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love because it’s a main flavor component here. Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy styles all work, so feel free to pick your favorite brand or even make your own for a personal touch.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe is a delightful way to turn familiar ingredients into something extraordinary. The harmony of smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, melty cheeses, and crispy bread makes every bite a little celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it—it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to comfort foods that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza featuring a crispy French bread base topped with tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, red onions, jalapeno, and a blend of mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses. Perfect for a quick dinner or casual get-together, this recipe brings smoky, cheesy goodness with a touch of freshness from cilantro.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 (16 ounce) loaf French bread
- 1/4 cup butter (a half stick), softened
Toppings
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 handful cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and move the oven rack to the top third position to ensure optimal heat distribution for crisping the bread and melting the cheese.
- Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread loaf in half horizontally as evenly as possible. Place the halves cut-side up on a baking sheet and spread softened butter evenly across each cut surface. This adds flavor and helps toast the bread.
- Toast Bread: Bake the buttered French bread halves in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes. This step crisps the bread to prevent sogginess once toppings are added.
- Add Toppings: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over each half, then top with cooked chicken, chopped red onions, sliced jalapeno peppers (if using), followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses. You can add chopped cilantro now if preferred, or reserve it for garnish after baking.
- Bake & Broil: Return the topped bread halves to the oven and bake for 12 minutes at 400°F to melt and bubble the cheese. Then switch to broil for a few minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping; watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top if not added before baking. Slice into desired portions and serve warm to enjoy the smoky, cheesy BBQ flavors.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves prep time and adds extra flavor to the pizza.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your preference for heat; omit if you prefer a milder pizza.
- Smoked gouda adds a rich, smoky layer to complement BBQ sauce – substitute with regular gouda or cheddar if unavailable.
- Watch the pizza closely during broiling to prevent burning the cheese.
- This recipe can be customized with additional toppings such as bell peppers, corn, or bacon for extra flavor.
