BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza
A quick, family-friendly French bread pizza topped with BBQ chicken, smoky cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread (16 ounce)
- 1/4 cup butter softened (about a half stick)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite
- 2 cups cooked chicken rotisserie chicken recommended
- 1/2 cup red onion chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper sliced (optional)
- 2 cups mozzarella shredded
- 1 cup smoked gouda shredded
- 1 handful cilantro chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and position a rack in the upper third of the oven.
- Slice the French bread in half horizontally so you have two long halves, and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the cut side of each bread half.
- Bake the buttered bread halves for 5–6 minutes until slightly crisped to help prevent sogginess from the toppings; remove from the oven.
- Evenly spread 1 cup BBQ sauce over the cut side of both bread halves.
- Top with the cooked chicken, then scatter the chopped red onion and sliced jalapeño (if using) over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and shredded smoked gouda evenly over the toppings.
- Bake the assembled bread pizzas for about 12 minutes, until the cheeses are melted and the toppings are hot.
- If desired, switch the oven to broil and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top (if using), slice to serving pieces, and serve warm.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Knife
- Measuring Cups
- spoon or pastry brush
Notes
- If you can’t find smoked gouda, substitute smoked cheddar, regular cheddar, or extra mozzarella.
- Adjust the topping quantities to taste.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for this recipe.
- Cilantro is optional and can be added before or after baking.
- Watch closely during broiling to prevent burning.