BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining smoky barbecue flavors with crispy, buttery French bread. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering, this recipe delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf French bread
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Step 2: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Spread softened butter evenly on each half, then sprinkle garlic salt over the buttered sides. Bake for 5-8 minutes until the tops are toasty and edges turn golden brown.
3. Step 3: Remove the bread from the oven and spread BBQ sauce over each half. Sprinkle 1/4 of the shredded cheddar cheese on each, then evenly distribute the shredded chicken on top. Add the remaining cheese over the chicken, and arrange the sliced red onions on top.
4. Step 4: Return the bread halves to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the toppings are heated through.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, slice, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shredded chicken option.
• Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a Mexican blend for a different cheese experience.
• Add jalapeño slices or a dash of smoked paprika for extra spice and smoky depth.
• Try different BBQ sauces—sweet, spicy, or smoky—to customize the flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350˚F oven for about 8-10 minutes to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melted. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while French bread works best for its crisp texture and size, you can try Italian bread or a sturdy baguette as alternatives. Just ensure the bread is thick enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the shredded chicken with grilled vegetables, mushrooms, or a plant-based chicken alternative, and use your favorite BBQ sauce. This keeps the smoky BBQ flavor while making it meat-free.

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza combines crispy, buttery French bread with tangy BBQ sauce, tender shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh red onions. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pizza
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base and Spread

• 1 loaf French bread
• 4 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Toppings

• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C) to prepare for toasting and baking the pizza.
2. Prepare the Bread: Slice the French bread in half horizontally. Spread softened butter evenly on each half and sprinkle the garlic salt over the buttered surfaces. Place the halves on a baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes until the bread tops are toasty and edges are golden brown, providing a crispy base.
3. Add Sauce and Toppings: Remove the toasted bread from the oven. Spread the BBQ sauce evenly on each bread half. Sprinkle about 1/4 of the shredded cheddar cheese on the sauce, then layer on the shredded chicken. Top with the remaining cheese and scatter thinly sliced red onions over the top for added flavor and crunch.
4. Bake the Pizza: Return the loaded bread halves to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and toppings are heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

• For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
• You can substitute the shredded chicken with cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Use your favorite BBQ sauce type—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to customize the flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but are best enjoyed fresh.
• To make this recipe gluten free, substitute the French bread with a gluten-free baguette or bread alternative.

Keywords: BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza, BBQ pizza, French bread pizza, easy dinner, quick pizza recipe, shredded chicken pizza