Smoky BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

• 1 lb (approx. 450g) pre-cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

• 1 (10-12 inch) store-bought pizza dough ball or pre-made crust

• 1/2 cup (120ml) good quality BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling

• 1.5 cups (180g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dough and baking sheet)

• Pinch of salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dough: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. Lightly grease a pizza pan or baking sheet with olive oil, or dust with cornmeal for a crispier crust. Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface or directly on the prepared pan to your desired thickness and shape.

2. Prepare Chicken: If your chicken isn't already shredded, shred or dice it. In a small bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 2 tablespoons of the BBQ sauce, ensuring it's well coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Pizza: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle about half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

4. Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over the chicken. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

5. Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or slide onto the hot pizza stone). Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Cooking times may vary based on your oven and dough thickness.

6. Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro. If desired, drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce before slicing. Slice into wedges and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of coleslaw or some grilled corn on the cob would also be fantastic additions.

Pairing Tips

The smoky, sweet, and tangy flavours of BBQ chicken pizza make it a fantastic match for a variety of beverages:

• Beer: An American Pale Ale (APA) or an Amber Ale will complement the BBQ sauce's sweetness and cut through the cheese with a pleasant hop bitterness. A crisp Lager can also provide a refreshing contrast. For something bolder, a Brown Ale with its malty sweetness and nutty notes works beautifully.

• Wine: A medium-bodied Zinfandel or a fruity Merlot would be excellent choices, as their dark fruit notes and moderate tannins can stand up to the rich flavours.

• Spirits: A good quality Bourbon, either neat or in a simple Old Fashioned cocktail, can echo the smoky notes of the BBQ sauce and provide a warming contrast.