Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1/2 recipe homemade pizza dough (or 1 lb. store-bought pizza dough)
Toppings and Assembly
- 1 Tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 Tablespoon (8g) cornmeal
- 1/3 cup + 2 Tablespoons (130g) favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 cup chopped or shredded cooked chicken (about one 8-ounce breast)
- 2/3 cup (70g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup (70g) shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (or substitute basil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Prepare your pizza dough through step 3 of your chosen dough recipe. If using store-bought frozen dough, ensure it is completely thawed. This step sets the foundation for your pizza crust.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) and allow it to heat for at least 15–20 minutes for even cooking. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pizza pan with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle it with the cornmeal to add crunch and prevent sticking.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough to release air bubbles. If using homemade dough, divide it in half and freeze the other half for future use. On a lightly floured surface, gently flatten the dough into a disc, then stretch or roll into a 12-inch circle about 1/2 inch thick. Create a rim by pinching or lifting the edges. If the dough shrinks back when stretching, let it rest covered for 5–10 minutes before trying again. Transfer the dough to your prepared pan or a cornmeal-dusted peel if using a pizza stone. Cover lightly and rest for a few minutes.
- Top the Pizza: Use your fingers to press dents into the dough surface to prevent bubbles during baking. Brush the remaining olive oil over the dough. Spread 1/3 cup (about 95g) barbecue sauce evenly over the surface. Toss the cooked chicken with the remaining barbecue sauce and distribute it evenly over the pizza. Sprinkle both shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses evenly, then add the thinly sliced red onion.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 14–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, slice while hot, and serve immediately. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze as instructed.
Notes
- Freezing: Freeze unused dough halves according to your dough recipe. Baked and cooled pizza or slices can be wrapped tightly and frozen up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave or bake covered with foil in a 350°F (204°C) oven for about 10 minutes (slices) or 15–20 minutes (whole pizza).
- Substitutions: Replace smoked gouda with extra mozzarella if unavailable. Onions and cilantro can be omitted or swapped with basil for a different flavor profile.
- Tools: Recommended tools include a pizza pan, pastry brush, and pizza cutter for best results.
- Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat pizza dough if preferred, doubling quantities as needed.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
