Funky Q Chicken Pizza from Mellow Mushroom features tender grilled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, red onions, and a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on a hand-tossed, crispy crust, delivering a flavorful fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory tastes.
Equipments
- Pizza stone or baking steel
- Pizza peel
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Dough hook (if using stand mixer)
- Rolling pin
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Sauce brush or spoon
- Oven
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl (for chicken)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- Olive oil
Ensure you use boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender and evenly cooked meat; marinate it in BBQ sauce to infuse smoky, tangy flavors essential to the Funky Q Chicken Pizza. Opt for a blend of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to achieve the ideal balance of melt and sharpness on the pizza. Use red onion slices sparingly to add a mild sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients. Properly handling the 1 lb (450g) pizza dough by hand-tossing or rolling it evenly on a floured surface results in a crispy crust that holds the toppings well. Your homemade Funky Q Chicken Pizza from Mellow Mushroom copycat menu will deliver a savory and sweet flavor harmony reminiscent of the original.
Instructions
- Preheat pizza stone or baking steel in the oven.
- Slice red onion thinly with chef’s knife on cutting board.
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Season and toss chicken pieces with half the BBQ sauce in mixing bowl.
- Cook chicken until just done; set aside.
- Roll out pizza dough on floured surface using rolling pin.
- Drizzle/brush olive oil over dough.
- Spread remaining BBQ sauce evenly over dough using sauce brush or spoon.
- Evenly distribute cooked chicken, sliced red onions, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese on pizza.
- Transfer pizza to preheated pizza stone using pizza peel.
- Bake in oven until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove pizza, let cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Substitution
Funky Q Chicken Pizza from Mellow Mushroom copycat menu replicates the iconic blend of grilled chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, red onions, and mozzarella-cheddar cheese on a crispy hand-tossed crust. If you don't have a pizza stone or baking steel, using a preheated heavy-duty baking sheet can help achieve a crispy base. When fresh red onions are unavailable, pickled red onions add a tangy twist that complements the BBQ sauce nicely. For cheese alternatives, part-skim mozzarella and mild cheddar maintain the gooey texture and rich flavor while reducing fat content. When preparing your chicken, marinating it briefly in BBQ sauce before grilling enhances tenderness and flavor absorption.
Tips
Ensure your pizza stone or baking steel is fully preheated to achieve a crispy crust, as a cold stone will result in uneven cooking. Use a well-floured surface and rolling pin to prevent the pizza dough from sticking or tearing during shaping. When cooking the chicken, avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy, tossing it with half the BBQ sauce helps infuse flavor before baking. After assembling, use a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to smoothly transfer your pizza onto the hot stone, preventing sticking and ensuring an even bake.
Nutritions
Your Funky Q Chicken Pizza offers a balanced source of protein primarily from the grilled chicken breast, supporting muscle repair and growth. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses contributes significant calcium for bone health along with essential fats. BBQ sauce and red onions add antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C and quercetin. Using olive oil on the crust not only enhances flavor but also provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Storage
Store leftover Funky Q Chicken Pizza in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate within two hours of baking and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. To reheat, use an oven or pizza stone to keep the crust crispy rather than a microwave, which can make the crust soggy.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the grilled chicken with smoked pulled pork for a richer smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce. Substitute red onions with caramelized sweet onions to add depth and a touch of sweetness. For a cheesier experience, try adding a sprinkle of smoked gouda alongside the mozzarella and cheddar. Instead of baking on a pizza stone, grill the pizza directly on a barbecue grill for an extra charred crust and smoky aroma.
Allergies
Funky Q Chicken Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella and cheddar cheeses and gluten from the pizza dough, which can trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The BBQ sauce may also contain ingredients like soy, mustard, or preservatives that worsen allergies for some people. Be sure to check the specific BBQ sauce ingredients to ensure safety for Your dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
Mellow Mushroom's Funky Q Chicken Pizza features a flavorful blend of tangy barbecue sauce, tender grilled chicken, red onions, and melted cheeses, creating a perfect balance of smoky and savory tastes. The unique combination of textures, from the crispy crust to the gooey cheese topping, makes each bite satisfying and memorable. You'll appreciate how the fresh ingredients and bold flavors come together to deliver a pizza experience that is both distinctive and easy to enjoy. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to recreate that beloved taste at home while customizing it to your personal preferences.