BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe

ByBen Miller
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Introduction

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining smoky barbecue flavors with crispy French bread. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual gathering.

The image shows four rectangular slices of pizza placed closely on a dark baking tray. Each slice has a base layer of golden-brown crust topped with a smooth, dark red tomato sauce, followed by a layer of melted orange cheddar cheese. On top, there are chunks of white grilled chicken, thin slices of purple-red onion, and fresh green cilantro leaves scattered evenly. The pizza looks hot and cheesy, with a slightly crispy crust edge visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 on each half, then sprinkle with garlic salt. Bake for 5-8 minutes until the bread is toasty and the edges turn golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Spread BBQ sauce evenly on each bread half. Layer with 1/4 of the shredded cheddar cheese, then add the shredded chicken. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and distribute the thinly sliced red onion over everything.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese melts and toppings are heated through. Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken before topping.
  • Swap red onion for green onions or omit if you prefer less bite.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding.

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 for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave briefly for convenience.

How to Serve

A close-up top view of six rectangular slices of pizza on a dark baking tray, each slice has three visible layers: a light golden brown crust base topped with a smooth red tomato sauce layer, then covered with melted yellow cheddar cheese with some white chunks of chicken scattered on top. Thin slices of purple-red onion and small green cilantro leaves are sprinkled across the pizza, adding color contrast. The slightly melted cheese creates a bubbly and textured surface, and there are a few crumbs and cheese bits around the edges of the baking tray, all set on a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses work well if you prefer a milder flavor or different texture.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pizzas and store them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just add the cilantro garnish after baking for freshness.

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BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Ben
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy toasted French bread topped with tangy BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, red onions, and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a quick lunch or casual dinner, it combines smoky flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Base

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

Toppings

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350˚F to prepare for toasting the bread and melting the toppings.
  2. Prepare Bread: Slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Spread softened butter evenly on each half and sprinkle with garlic salt. Place the halves on a baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes until the bread is toasted and the edges turn golden brown.
  3. Add Sauce and Toppings: Remove toasted bread from the oven. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over each half. Sprinkle 1/4 of the shredded cheddar cheese onto each half, followed by the shredded chicken. Top with the remaining cheese and distribute the thinly sliced red onions evenly.
  4. Bake Until Melted: Return the assembled bread pizzas to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt thoroughly and the toppings to heat through.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Using pre-cooked shredded chicken saves time; you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
  • Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and cheese according to your taste preferences.
  • For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.
  • The recipe is easy to customize with different cheese types or additional vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pizza
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken, French bread pizza, easy pizza recipe, baked pizza, shredded chicken pizza, quick dinner, smoky BBQ

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