BBQ Chicken Deep Dish Pizza with Red Onion
BBQ Chicken Deep Dish Pizza with Red Onion
Indulge in a truly unique culinary experience with this BBQ Chicken Deep Dish Pizza, a delightful twist on the iconic Chicago Deep Dish. This recipe elevates the beloved thick, buttery, and flaky cornmeal crust, characteristic of true Chicago-style pizza, by pairing it with the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken. Imagine a rich, hand-pressed dough forming a sturdy foundation, capable of holding an abundant filling. Each slice reveals layers of tangy BBQ sauce, succulent shredded chicken, generously melted mozzarella cheese, and thinly sliced red onions that add a welcome bite and freshness. This isn't just a pizza; it's a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for weekend gatherings or a comforting family dinner. The interplay of textures – from the robust crust to the gooey cheese and tender chicken – along with the sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavors, makes this deep dish variant an unforgettable treat. It's a fantastic way to impress your guests and bring a taste of Chicago into your home kitchen.
- Preparation time
- 30 min
- Cooking time
- 40 min
- Total time
- 1 hr 10 min
- Servings
- 6
Instructions
Preparation
- 1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pizza pan with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle generously with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- 2On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pizza dough into a large circle, approximately 12-14 inches in diameter, ensuring it's thin enough to drape over the sides of the pan.
- 3Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the prepared deep-dish pan, pressing it firmly into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excessive overhang if necessary, leaving about a 1-inch border.
Assembly and Baking
- 1Evenly spread half of the barbecue sauce over the bottom of the pizza dough in the pan.
- 2Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the barbecue sauce layer.
- 3Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the cheese. Top with the thinly sliced red onion.
- 4Drizzle the remaining barbecue sauce over the chicken and onion, then cover with the remaining 1.5 cups of mozzarella cheese.
- 5Brush the exposed crust edges with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- 6Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- 7Remove from the oven and let the pizza cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese and sauce to set, making it easier to cut.
Nutrition Information
- Calories
- 651 kcal
- Protein
- 40 g
- Fat
- 26 g
- Carbs
- 71 g
| Nutrient | Per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 651 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Carbs | 71 g |
Tips
- Ensure your pizza dough is well-chilled before rolling; cold dough is easier to handle and less likely to shrink back.
- For an extra crispy crust, consider pre-baking the dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings, especially if your fillings are very moist.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad to cut through the richness of the deep-dish pizza.