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
Scale
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.