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; 1/2 small red onion, quartered, thinly sliced; Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving; 2 cups shredded mozzarella (about 8 oz.); 1 cup shredded cheddar or gouda (about 2 oz.)

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Introduction

This BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza is a quick and flavorful twist on traditional pizza. Crispy toasted French bread topped with shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted cheese makes for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

The image shows several rectangular pieces of sandwich-style pizza arranged randomly on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a thick, light golden bread base with a layer of rich red tomato sauce spread evenly on top. Over the sauce, there is a generous layer of shredded cooked chicken that is a warm, slightly browned color. Thin slices of red onion are scattered on the chicken, adding a light purple hue. Melting cheese covers the chicken and onions in an uneven layer, appearing creamy white and light yellow in patches. Small green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top, adding pops of green color across each pizza piece. The 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. Slice the French bread loaf in half lengthwise. If your loaf is very 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 until it feels slightly dry to the touch and the edges begin to turn golden, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: While the bread toasts, toss the shredded chicken with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce in a medium bowl until fully coated. In another bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Spread 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the toasted bread, making sure to cover the edges. Sprinkle half the cheese mixture over the sauce, then scatter the sliced red onion on top.
Step 5: Distribute the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese and onion layers. Sprinkle the remaining cheese mixture on top.
Step 6: Bake the assembled pizza for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and has golden brown spots. Before serving, drizzle with additional BBQ sauce and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade BBQ sauce for a fresher, tangier flavor or choose your favorite store-bought brand for convenience.
Try adding sliced jalapeños or bell peppers for extra spice and crunch.
Substitute smoked gouda for cheddar to add a smoky depth to the cheese mix.
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

Storage

Store any leftover 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. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Two long bread slices lie side by side on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each slice has three layers: the bottom layer is a reddish sauce spread evenly, the middle layer is shredded cooked chicken mixed with thin slices of red onion, and the top layer is melted cheese that is golden and creamy in texture. Bright red sauce lines zigzag across the top, and fresh green cilantro pieces are scattered throughout both slices. To the right, a white bowl holds extra chopped cilantro. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds extra flavor and convenience to the recipe.

Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?

You can assemble the pizza and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.