Barbecue Chicken Skillet Pizza
Are you a thick or thin crust pizza person? Dare I say I’m really a fan of both? I used to think I only like cracker thin crust. Who needs that extra bread when there are fillings to be had? Well, I have to say that making my own crust that gets perfectly crispy in a cast-iron skillet is my new favorite thing! Don’t be alarmed if you see several more pan pizzas in these parts over the next few months- I love it!
This pizza is full of everything good: tangy BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, tender shredded chicken, two cheeses, more BBQ sauce and of course a drizzle of ranch dressing for good measure. We devoured this pizza in no time flat, but it is easy to make early in the day and then re-heat in the oven or toaster oven to crisp it up.
Now about the caramelized onions- I had made a large batch earlier in the week to put on some burgers so throwing some that I already had made on this pizza was easy. They are a bit time consuming to make though, so I suggest doing that ahead of time or letting them cook down while you prep the dough and let it proof. They really add a wonderful element to this pizza- sweet and a bit smokey. Speaking of smokey- I added some smoked buffalo mozzarella to the mix which was amazing- but of course you can use any cheese you have on hand!
Barbecue Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 .25 ounce package active dry yeast
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast- cooked and shredded
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon oil or butter
- dash of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded or sliced smoked buffalo mozzarella
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- More BBQ sauce and Ranch dressing to for drizzle
- Chopped parsley or cilantro, optional
Instructions
- First start the onions:
- Evenly slice the onions into 1/4 inch strips. Head a skillet to medium-high heat and warm the butter or oil. Add the onions and stir to lightly coat with the oil. Spread them into a thin layer on the pan and let them cook until soft.
- Add a bit of salt and a dash of brown sugar. Turn the heat down to medium-low and let them cook down, stirring occasionally while you prep the dough. The key to caramelizing onions is not stirring them too much so they can brown, but of course not letting them burn.
Meanwhile start the dough:
- In a large bowl combine the yeast, 2 cups of bread flour and salt. Stir together and then add the oil and water. Use a spatula to stir until a shaggy dough has formed.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until a stiff dough has formed. Add the addition 1/2 cup flour if dough is sticky.
- Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean dish cloth. Place somewhere warm and let proof for 30 minutes or until puffy and doubled in size.
To assemble:
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Lightly oil the bottom of a 12-inch cast iron skillet, and turn the proofed dough into it. Use your fingers to press it down and up the sides an inch or two.
- Spread the BBQ sauce onto the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Add the caramelized onions, shredded chicken and then cheeses.
- Bake on a lower shelf for about 15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
I would highly suggest making a big batch of caramelized onions as they are so good and can be used for everything! It will take a bit longer but it's really worth it! I used this tutorial on Simply Recipes to help me out.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
I adore thick crust skillet pizza. It has the perfect crispy to fluffy ratio. These pictures are fabulous–the one with the cheesy slice being removed is making my mouth water!
I’ve never made pizza in my cast-iron skillet before but it looks like I will have to try it and soon. Your pizza looks amazing!
I’m always on board for caramelized onions. Always. I must make this for Quinn. I think pizza is a food group for him.
I’m a thin crust kind of gal. Unless there is something delicious to dip my crust in, I guess. Still. I like thin crust and I cannot lie. Ha. Sorry, I’m just amusing myself in this here comment box…
I’m not a huge fan of barbecque sauce, but I do like the idea of a skillet pizza!
When I was younger I definitely preferred thick crusts now I love both the thick and the thin versions. This pizza sounds incredible! I’m not a big fan of BBQ sauce, so I think I’ll skip it but I’m definitely going to double the amount of smoked buffalo mozzarella!
xo, Elisa
So many delicious things in a skillet. Time to get one myself!
I can’t wait until I have a cast-iron skillet so I can actually MAKE pizzas like this! Wedding registries are officially the.best.
Thick, thin? I don’t care, that was the best pizza I ever had. Thank you so much for the recipe. Delicious!!!
Can this be made w/ a different kind of flour?? I have all purpose & self rising – I don’t really want to buy another kind! But I do love BBQ pizza & this sounds amazing! I might add some bacon too though. :)
When does sugar go in?
I really like this recipe. I must admit on nights where you need something quick and super tasty this is it! Sometimes I’ll make the dough but if I’m too tired I’ll just use the premade dough. The onions are super yummy so for sure make a lot!