BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza from Papa John's features tender grilled chicken, smoky bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese on a golden, crispy crust, delivering a savory and satisfying flavor experience.
Equipments
- Oven (pizza oven or conventional)
- Pizza peel
- Pizza cutter or knife
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Spoon (for spreading sauce)
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup cooked grilled chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked bacon
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Use cooked grilled chicken breast and crispy cooked bacon to ensure optimal texture and flavor for the BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza. Choose a tangy barbecue sauce that complements the smoky bacon and chicken while balancing the mozzarella's creaminess. Dust your work surface with cornmeal or flour to prevent the pizza dough from sticking during rolling and transferring. Your pizza will bake best on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet to achieve a golden, crispy crust. This BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza from Papa John's copycat menu offers a savory, satisfying combination perfect for homemade enjoyment.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C), placing a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Lightly flour a surface with cornmeal or flour, then roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
- Transfer dough onto a pizza peel or a floured baking sheet.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute grilled chicken and cooked bacon over the cheese.
- Carefully slide prepared pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Slice using a pizza cutter or knife and serve warm.
Substitution
Papa John's BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza copycat recipe combines tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese on a golden, crispy crust. If you don't have cooked grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken or pan-seared chicken breast can be used as a substitute without compromising flavor. When barbecue sauce is unavailable, a mix of ketchup and a splash of apple cider vinegar with a hint of smoked paprika can create a similar tangy and smoky profile. You can swap mozzarella cheese for a blend of provolone and cheddar if desired, which adds a more complex, savory taste. Keep cornmeal or flour handy for dusting the pizza peel to ensure the dough doesn't stick before baking.
Tips
Ensure your pizza stone or baking sheet is fully preheated at 475degF (245degC) before placing the pizza on it to achieve a crispy crust. When rolling out the dough, dust your surface with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking and to add a slight crunch to the base. Spread barbecue sauce evenly but avoid overloading to prevent sogginess while maintaining vibrant flavors. After baking, allow your BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza to cool briefly to let the cheese set, which makes slicing easier and prevents toppings from sliding off.
Nutritions
BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza from Papa John's offers a balanced mix of protein from grilled chicken and bacon, which supports muscle repair and growth. The mozzarella cheese provides a good source of calcium and vitamin D for bone health. Your choice of pizza dough adds carbohydrates that fuel your energy needs, while the barbecue sauce contributes antioxidants from tomato-based ingredients. Keep portion control in mind to enjoy this flavorful pizza as part of a balanced diet.
Storage
Store your leftover BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth, and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat in a conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) on a baking sheet or pizza stone for 8-10 minutes to restore the crust's crispiness and melt the cheese evenly.
Variation or Alternatives
You can try substituting grilled chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time. Instead of smoky bacon, use turkey bacon or even cooked pancetta for a different flavor profile. For a twist on the sauce, mix barbecue sauce with a bit of ranch dressing or use a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce to add heat. To enhance the cheese layer, blend mozzarella with smoked gouda or cheddar for a richer, more complex taste.
Allergies
Your BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza from Papa John's contains common allergens such as dairy from the mozzarella cheese and gluten from the pizza dough, which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The chicken and bacon can also pose risks for those with meat allergies or sensitivities to processed meat products. Always check for possible cross-contamination if you have severe food allergies to ensure your meal is safe.
Why this recipe?
Papa John's BBQ Chicken Bacon Pizza menu is loved for its perfect blend of smoky barbecue sauce, tender grilled chicken, and crispy bacon, creating a rich and savory flavor profile. The combination of melted cheese and a hand-tossed crust adds a satisfying texture that enhances the overall eating experience. You will find it worth trying to make the copycat version because recreating this pizza at home allows customization of ingredients and freshness, offering a cost-effective way to enjoy a restaurant favorite. Mastering this recipe can impress friends and elevate your homemade pizza game with a bold and delicious taste.