Our Favorite Barbecue Chicken Pizza

For the Crust

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 and 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 TBSP olive oil
• 1 and 1/2 tsp salt

For the Toppings

• 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 1/2 cup your favorite cheese We love a mix of mozzarella and colby jack
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, cubed
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup green bell pepper, diced optional but I love adding some extra veg power!
• cilantro, optional garnish

Instructions

Make the dough: Measure warm water into a medium mixing bowl. Add the yeast and sugar - stir once, gently, with a whisk and let sit for 5 minutes. It should be foamy after time is up (see photo above in post). If it still looks like a bowl of water with granules of yeast everywhere, toss it and try again.

Stir in the flour, olive oil, and salt. A shaggy dough will form. Knead it on a lightly floured counter for a few minutes, or until it smoothes out. Form into a ball, and place in a bowl sprayed with cooking spray (to prevent sticking). Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 40-45 minutes. 

This is a good time to cook your chicken! Toss it in barbecue sauce when it's done cooking for more flavor - don't skip this step! We like to cook our chicken breast in the oven or in a pan on the stovetop, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 

Assemble: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The dough should have risen to about double it's original size (see photos in post above). Gently punch down the dough on your countertop and press it out (or use a rolling pin) until it's about 1/4" thick. Gently transfer to the lined pan.

Spread the barbecue sauce evenly on the pizza crust. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce, reserving some for the end. Evenly sprinkle the chicken breast, red onion, and green pepper over the pizza. Add a little more cheese on top. 

Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted. Top with fresh cilantro (optional) and enjoy immediately!