There’s something truly special about a home-cooked meal that warms your heart and brings your loved ones together. Our Barbecue Chicken and Red Onion Skillet Pizza is the epitome of pure comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. The delightful combination of tender, shredded chicken bathed in rich barbecue sauce, paired with the sweet, caramelized red onion, will take you back to summer cookouts while delivering that cozy feeling that only homemade meals can provide.
This recipe features some lovely, straightforward ingredients: 1 pound of chicken breast, cooked and shredded, coated in a tangy barbecue sauce, all nestled within a ready-to-go pre-made pizza dough. The addition of thinly sliced red onion brings a hint of sweetness and crunch, while the gooey mozzarella cheese adds that essential meltiness we all crave. You can finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness if you like.
The beauty of this pizza lies in its simplicity. You start by preheating your skillet and adding a splash of olive oil. Next, roll out your pizza dough right in the skillet, and then layer on the barbecue sauce, followed by the chicken and red onion. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet, and let it cook until golden brown and bubbling. In about 15-20 minutes, you’ve got a delicious meal that looks as good as it tastes.
This Barbecue Chicken and Red Onion Skillet Pizza is perfect for chilly nights when you want something warm and satisfying. It’s also great for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a night in with your favorite people.
Why You’ll Love This Barbecue Chicken And Red Onion Skillet Pizza
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just over 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: All ingredients are easily accessible, making this a dish that can be prepared without a trip to the grocery store.
- Comfort Food Classic: The combination of barbecue chicken and melty cheese offers a delightful twist on traditional pizza.
- Customizable: You can add or replace ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Chicken Tips
When selecting your chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of preparation. If you have time, grilling the chicken gives it a lovely smoky flavor. This cook-and-shred method makes your chicken much more flavorful, and it helps the barbecue sauce cling nicely to the meat. You can also purchase pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; it’s a wonderful time-saver and still delivers delicious results.
Options for Substitutions
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute with shredded pork or beef for a different flavor.
- Barbecue Sauce: Experiment with different barbecue sauces, such as spicy, smoky, or even sweet variations for a unique spin.
- Pizza Dough: Gluten-free pizza dough can be used if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Cheese: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or vegan cheese alternatives.
- Red Onion: Substitute with caramelized yellow onions or even bell peppers for added sweetness.
- Cilantro: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, fresh basil or parsley can provide a fragrant touch.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
A few common pitfalls can arise when making this skillet pizza. First, be careful when preheating the skillet. Ensure it’s hot but not smoking, as that can cause the olive oil to burn, giving your dish an unpleasant flavor.
Another mistake is adding too much barbecue sauce at once. While it may seem tempting, an even layer helps the flavors meld better without overwhelming the pizza.
Be sure to cover the skillet while cooking. This step allows the cheese to melt evenly and the crust to develop a golden-brown color. If you don’t cover it, you may end up with a dry crust, which simply won’t do.
Lastly, don’t be in a rush to slice your pizza straight out of the skillet. Allowing it to rest for a few minutes makes cutting smoother and helps keep all the ingredients intact.
What to Serve With Barbecue Chicken And Red Onion Skillet Pizza?
To round out your meal, consider pairing the pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. A side of coleslaw will complement the barbecue flavors beautifully, or serve it with some freshly cut veggies and a tasty dip. If you want something heartier, roasted sweet potatoes offer a nutritious and satisfying accompaniment.
Storage Instructions
Store: Leftover skillet pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: To store for a longer time, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months.
Reheat: To reheat, warm the slices on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave; just place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 800-900
Protein: 60-70g
Fat: 30-35g
Carbohydrates: 75-85g
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Skillet and Add Olive Oil
Start by preheating your skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add a little olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan, which will help prevent sticking and create a golden crust.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
Next, roll out your pre-made pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Carefully lift it and place it in the skillet, gently pressing it down to fit the shape of the pan.
Step 3: Spread the Barbecue Sauce
Once the dough is in place, spread an even layer of barbecue sauce over the surface. Ensure you cover the entire dough, but don’t overdo it; you want just enough to impart flavor without making it soggy.
Step 4: Layer on the Chicken and Red Onion
Now, add the shredded chicken on top of the barbecue sauce. Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion evenly over the chicken, allowing the sweet flavors to blend as it cooks.
Step 5: Add Mozzarella Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken and onions. This is where the magic happens—cheese makes everything better!
Step 6: Cover and Cook
Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the crust is cooking evenly. It should turn golden brown, and the cheese should melt beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, garnish your pizza with fresh cilantro for that extra layer of flavor.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
Let the pizza cool for just a couple of minutes, then slice it up and serve hot. Enjoy your warm, delicious homemade pizza with family or friends.
You are now ready to delight in this delicious Barbecue Chicken and Red Onion Skillet Pizza. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this dish as I do. Please feel free to share your experiences, and don’t hesitate to explore similar recipes on your cooking journey!
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Barbecue Chicken and Red Onion Skillet Pizza
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
This Barbecue Chicken and Red Onion Skillet Pizza is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of summer cookouts to your kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Roll out your pre-made pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and place it in the skillet.
- Spread an even layer of barbecue sauce over the dough.
- Layer on the shredded chicken and then add the sliced red onion.
- Add generous amounts of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Slice and enjoy your warm, delicious pizza!
Notes
For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the chicken before shredding. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg