Craving pizza with a twist? This Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is your answer! With a homemade crust that’s both chewy and crispy, this pizza delivers the perfect balance of tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese. It’s a delightful alternative to traditional pizza, and a hit for any meal.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Place the flour in a separate bowl, and in a third bowl, whisk the egg with lemon juice.
- Dip each chicken breast first in the egg mixture, then coat it with flour. Dip it again in the egg mixture, and finally, coat it with the bread crumb mixture. Place the coated chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the crumbs are golden and the chicken is heated through.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce over each chicken breast, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and top with pepperoni slices.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (70°C).
Ingredients
- ½ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 chicken breast halves, skinless and boneless
- ½ cup pizza sauce, split
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, split
- 4 slices pepperoni, or as preferred, split
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1104 | Total Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 370mg | Sodium: 4994mg | Total Carbohydrate: 106g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Total Sugars: 10g | Protein: 92g | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 882mg | Iron: 10mg | Potassium: 708mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take longer to cook through.
- What can I serve with Pizza Chicken?
- Pizza Chicken pairs well with a side of spaghetti and marinara sauce, along with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time and freeze it?
- Absolutely, you can prepare and cook the chicken, then freeze it. Make sure to store it properly in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
- How can I ensure the chicken is cooked properly?
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Can I adjust the amount of pepperoni and cheese in the recipe?
- Yes, you can modify the amount of pepperoni and cheese according to your taste preferences. Feel free to add more or less based on your liking.
Tips
- Season Generously: Enhance the flavor of your chicken by ensuring the breadcrumb mixture is well seasoned with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. This will add a tasty crust to your chicken.
- Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For a crispier coating, dip the chicken breasts in the egg mixture and flour twice before applying the breadcrumb mixture. This double coating process helps achieve a satisfying crunch.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C) for safe consumption.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with the toppings. You can add more pepperoni slices, or even include other pizza favorites like olives or mushrooms to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Baking dish
