WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
Array/5
COOK TIME
10 min
TOTAL TIME
15 minutes
SERVINGS
8 Pieces
Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, melty mozzarella, and juicy shredded chicken come together on a crispy French bread crust for a flavor-packed BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza everyone will love! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you need a hearty snack that comes together in just 15 minutes!
This family is a HUGE fan of anything barbeque chicken. Not only does chicken taste amazing with your favorite barbeque sauce, but it can be made in advance and used in many different ways. You can even use rotisserie chicken to make shredded BBQ chicken to make it faster and easier.
There are two ways we love serving it. One is by making yummy BBQ Chicken Wraps. The other is by turning it into a pizza! Pizza is a big-ticket item in our house. We eat it a lot. I’m pretty sure my husband could eat pizza every day and be perfectly happy. Since each person loves different types, I had to come up with a way to make something for everyone. Enter French bread pizza. You get to make your own and add your toppings, but no dough-making is involved, and it tastes amazing. Oh, also super easy. I mean, really easy. Seriously! A crusty French bread base is slathered with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce piled high with juicy shredded chicken, melty mozzarella, and a sprinkle of red onion for that perfect pop of sharp flavor.
Why You’ll Love French Bread BBQ Chicken Pizza
15-Minute Meal: A true lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
High Protein: With shredded chicken as the main ingredient, this pizza gives a protein boost that will keep everyone full and energized.
Customizable for Everyone: The French bread base makes it easy to create personalized pizza halves. Perfect for picky eaters and experimenting with different toppings.
No Dough Making Required: No making or rolling out pizza dough. Just slice a loaf of French bread, and you’re ready to go!
Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken or that rotisserie chicken sitting in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
French Bread – The crusty French bread gives the pizza a sturdy base with a deliciously soft and chewy inside, making it a great vessel for toppings.
BBQ Sauce – BBQ sauce ties everything together and gives the pizza that signature smoky flavor. Use your favorite brand or a homemade version.
Shredded Chicken – Shredded chicken soaks up all that BBQ sauce, adding a savory flavor to every slice. I love using rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even quicker!
Mozzarella Cheese – Melty, gooey mozzarella brings everything together with its creamy texture and mild flavor. You can also use other types of cheese like Colby Jack or cheddar!
Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onions add a bit of crunch and a pop of color, plus they balance out the sweetness of the BBQ sauce with a little bite.
Step By Step Instructions
Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the bread: Take a loaf of French bread and cut it in half lengthwise. Place both halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Add the barbecue sauce and cheese: Spread 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce evenly over each half of the bread. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on each piece, making sure the cheese covers the sauce completely.
Coat the chicken: In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the remaining 1 cup of barbecue sauce until the chicken is fully coated.
Top the bread: Evenly distribute the barbecue chicken over both bread halves. Add an extra sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top for extra gooeyness, and then add thinly sliced red onions as desired.
Bake the pizza: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice the French bread pizza into pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips
Choosing the right French bread: Go for a loaf that’s firm on the outside but still soft on the inside. A slightly crusty outside will hold up well to the toppings without turning soggy.
Warm up the BBQ sauce: Pop the barbecue sauce in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before spreading it on the bread. This makes it easier to spread and helps everything heat up evenly in the oven.
Toast the bread for crunch: If you want a crunchy pizza, give the bread a quick pre-bake in the oven before adding toppings. This adds an extra layer of crispiness and keeps the bread from getting too soft under the sauce.
Don’t overload with sauce: A thin, even layer of barbecue sauce is all you need. Too much sauce can lead to a soggy bottom.
Shred chicken finely: The smaller the chicken pieces, the better they’ll blend with the sauce and cheese. Finely shredded chicken also makes slicing the pizza easier.
Keep an eye on the oven: This pizza cooks quickly, so watch it closely to avoid over-browning the cheese or burning the bread.
Use a serrated knife for slicing: A serrated knife glides through the crust without squishing the bread.
Ways To Customize
Swap the BBQ sauce: Use a spicy barbecue sauce for a kick, a honey BBQ for a touch of sweetness, or even buffalo sauce for a tangy taste.
Change up the cheese: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Add veggies: Load up with bell peppers, corn, diced tomatoes, or even pineapple if thats your jam.
Boost the protein: Use cooked bacon, sausage crumbles, or even shredded pork instead of chicken to mix up the flavors.
Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
Add herbs and greens: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions on top after baking.
Add crunch: Top with crispy onions, crushed tortilla chips, or even a handful of slaw to give each bite a crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Storing: These pizzas are best served and enjoyed immediately, as they can get soggy over time. If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. For a quicker option, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a baguette, ciabatta, or even naan bread if you don’t have French bread on hand. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
What kind of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy option, but you can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken. Even canned chicken drained well, can work.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toast the French bread in the oven for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free French bread or a sturdy gluten-free loaf as the base. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your BBQ sauce label to be sure.
More Pizza Recipes
Print
BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
Sweet barbecue sauce with melty mozzarella and some tart red onion.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (cut in half lengthwise)
- 2 cups BBQ sauce
- 4 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded) (can use rotisserie chicken as well)
- 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut loaf of French bread lengthwise and place on a large baking sheet.
- Spread 1/2 cup barbecue sauce on top of each half of the bread. Sprinkle 2 cups of Mozzarella cheese on each half of the bread.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of barbecue sauce and shredded chicken. Mix until chicken is coated in sauce.
- Spread chicken over each half of the bread. Sprinkle more mozarella cheese over top. Top with red onion as desired.
- Cook for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Cut into slices and serve.
Notes
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