Name: BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12- to 14-oz.) loaf French bread; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 6 oz.); 1 cup store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, divided, plus more for serving; 2 cups shredded mozzarella (about 8 oz.); 1 cup shredded cheddar or gouda (about 2 oz.); 1/2 small red onion, quartered and thinly sliced; Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

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Introduction

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a quick and delicious twist on traditional pizza. Crispy toasted French bread acts as the perfect base for smoky BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. It’s an easy meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving.

The image shows several rectangular slices of pizza on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each slice has three visible layers: the base is light golden bread with a slightly thick crust, followed by a bright red tomato sauce layer spread evenly. On top, there are shredded cooked chicken pieces with a golden brown tint, thin slices of purple onion, melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese in creamy white and yellow shades, and garnished with fresh green cilantro leaves. The melted cheese looks slightly bubbly and gooey, draped over the chicken and onions, and the sauce peeks through in places. One slice is slightly separated from the others, emphasizing the rectangular shape and layered texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (12- to 14-oz.) loaf French bread
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 6 oz.)

1 cup store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, divided, plus more for serving
2 cups shredded mozzarella (about 8 oz.)

1 cup shredded cheddar or gouda (about 2 oz.)
1/2 small red onion, quartered and thinly sliced

Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. If your loaf is long, cut it crosswise into 4 pieces to fit on a baking sheet. Arrange the bread slices cut side up on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Toast the bread in the oven for about 5 minutes until slightly dry to the touch and the edges start to turn golden.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce until well coated. In another bowl, combine the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Step 4: Spread 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the toasted bread, making sure to cover the edges. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over the sauce, then scatter the sliced red onions. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture on top, then finish with the remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and has golden brown spots. Remove from oven, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade BBQ sauce to add a personal touch and adjust sweetness or smokiness to your liking.
For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Substitute cooked shredded turkey or pork for a different protein option.

Try adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftover French bread pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Two open sandwich pieces sit side by side on white parchment over a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a base layer of toasted baguette with a light golden brown color and slightly crisp texture. On top, there is shredded cooked chicken with a warm brown color mixed with thin slices of purple-red onion. Melted cheese in light cream and yellow tones covers the chicken, slightly stretching and bubbling. Bright red sauce is drizzled in a zigzag pattern over the cheese and chicken. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding a pop of color. On the right side of the image, a white bowl filled with chopped green cilantro sits partly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pizza toppings on the bread and cover it with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

What kind of chicken works best for this pizza?

Cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works well. Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and keeps the meat tender.