BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza: The Ultimate Family Night Crowd-Pleaser
Hey there, pizza pals! Chef Jamie here, ready to spill the saucy secrets behind my all-time favorite family night hero: BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza. Imagine this—crispy crust, smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a cheese pull that could win an Olympic gold medal. This isn’t just pizza; it’s a flavor party where everyone’s invited. Perfect for game day, lazy weekends, or those “I deserve something epic” weeknights, this recipe is foolproof, fast, and guaranteed to turn your kitchen into the hottest pizzeria in town. Let’s fire up those ovens and get cheesy!
BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
The Night I Became a Pizza Legend (Thanks to Bacon)
Picture this: It’s 2015, and I’m hosting my niece’s 10th birthday sleepover. Seven sugar-crazed kids, one skeptical sister, and me—armed with nothing but a rolling pin and a dream. I’d promised “the best pizza ever,” but my usual margherita wasn’t cutting it for this crew. Cue the BBQ sauce, leftover rotisserie chicken, and a pack of bacon that smelled like destiny. Twenty minutes later? Silence. Just chewing sounds and sticky high-fives. My niece looked up, sauce on her nose, and said, “Uncle Jamie, you’re a pizza wizard.” And folks, that’s how this recipe became my edible love letter to chaos, joy, and bacon grease. 🥓✨
Grocery List for Flavor Town
- 1 refrigerated pizza crust – Store-bought is your friend! (Homemade dough works too—I’ll never tell.)
- KC Masterpiece® Original BBQ Sauce – Sweet, smoky, and clingy (in the best way). Swap with spicy BBQ for heat lovers.
- 1 tbsp melted butter – For that golden, buttery crust edge we all fight over.
- 1 cup cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken = MVP. Shredded leftovers work too!
- 6 slices bacon – Bake it crispy! (Pro tip: Save the grease for roasted veggies later.)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella – The glue holding our delicious disaster together.
- ½ cup grated parmesan – Salty confetti that makes everything better.
- ½ small red onion – Thin slices for crunch and that Instagram-worthy color pop.
Let’s Build This Flavor Mountain
- Preheat & Prep: Crank that oven to 425°F (218°C). Unroll your dough on a greased pan—no judgment if it’s lopsided! Poke holes with a fork to avoid dough bubbles (aka “pizza volcanoes”). Brush edges with melted butter for that golden halo. Bake naked crust for 7-8 minutes. This pre-bake = no sad, soggy bottoms!
- Topping Tango: While the crust works on its tan, chop chicken, crumble bacon, and slice onions. Here’s a little secret: toss the chicken in a spoonful of BBQ sauce. It’s like a flavor marinade in 2 seconds flat!
- Saucy Business: Pull the par-baked crust out (say hello to your future crispy masterpiece). Spread BBQ sauce like you’re Picasso—thin layer across the base, extra swirls on top later.
- Cheese It Up: Mozzarella first—it’s the melty foundation. Then chicken, bacon, and onions. Drizzle more BBQ like edible Jackson Pollock art. Finish with parmesan snow!
- Final Bake: Back in the oven for 7-10 minutes. Wait for that cheese to bubble and the crust edges to sing “golden brown” in perfect harmony.
Slice, Serve, Swoon
Cut into wedges (or chaotic rectangles—you do you). Scatter fresh parsley like confetti for color. Pair with garlic knots, a crisp salad, and a cold lemonade. Bonus points for serving it on a checkered blanket picnic-style!
Mix It Up, Chef’s Choice!
- Spicy Fiesta: Add pickled jalapeños + chili flakes. Swap BBQ sauce for chipotle-infused.
- Hawaiian Twist: Trade chicken for ham + pineapple chunks. Controversial? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely.
- Veggie Delight: Skip meat, add roasted corn, bell peppers, and smoked Gouda.
- Breakfast Pizza: Top with fried eggs post-bake. Brunch game = strong.
Confessions of a Pizza Addict
True story: I once forgot the bacon mid-recipe (tragic, I know). Panic led to genius—I brushed the crust with BACON GREASE instead of butter. Result? Best. Mistake. Ever. Now I keep a jar of “liquid gold” in my fridge just for pizza emergencies. Moral: Cooking’s about adventure—embrace the delicious detours!
Your Pizza Questions, Answered
- “Why pre-bake the crust?” Prevents sogginess! Raw dough + sauce = sad, limp pizza. We’re going for CRUNCH.
- “Can I use fresh dough?” 100%! Just adjust pre-bake time to 5-6 mins—fresh dough needs less help.
- “My cheese isn’t melting!” Are you using pre-shredded? Those anti-caking agents can be stubborn. Freshly grated mozz melts like a dream!
- “Help—it’s too saucy!” Easy fix: Spread sauce thin, and add extra drizzle AFTER baking. Control the saucy chaos!
Nutritional Highlights (Per Slice)
Calories: 320 | Protein: 18g | Carbs: 28g | Fat: 15g | Sodium: 720mg
Note: Stats vary based on toppings and crust thickness. Live a little—it’s pizza!
BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
- Yield: 8 - 10
Ingredients
• 1 refrigerated pizza crust (or homemade dough)
• KC Masterpiece® Original BBQ Sauce (or your favorite)
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup cooked chicken, chopped
• 6 slices bacon, cooked & chopped (approx. ¾ cup)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Roll out pizza dough onto a greased baking pan and poke with a fork. Brush with melted butter. Bake 7–8 mins.
While crust bakes, prep toppings: chop chicken, cook & crumble bacon, slice onion.
Remove crust from oven, spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce.
Add mozzarella, then layer with chicken, bacon, and onion.
Drizzle with more BBQ sauce and sprinkle with parmesan.
Bake another 7–10 mins until cheese is melted and crust is golden.
Garnish with parsley, slice, and enjoy warm!
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Sodium: 720mg per serving
- Fat: 15g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 28g per serving
- Protein: 18g per serving
