135.6…Almost-Famous Barbeque Chicken Pizza

One of my husband’s favorite pizzas in the whole wide word is the Barbeque Chicken Pizza at California Pizza Kitchen. When I saw the recipe for a copycat version of it in Food Network Magazine, I knew I had to make it for him.

I’m not a huge fan of these types of pizzas but I actually enjoy the one at CPK. I’m a lover of all things pizza so I try not to discriminate.

Almost-Famous Barbeque Chicken Pizza (Make one 10-inch pizza)

Recipe Courtesy Food Network Magazine April 2012

• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 1/2 pound prepared pizza dough, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark barbecue sauce
• 1 8-ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2/3 cup grated smoked gouda cheese (about 3 ounces)
• 2/3 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 3 ounces)
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for topping

Directions

Brush a large bowl with olive oil. Shape the pizza dough into a ball, add it to the bowl and turn to coat with the oil. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place, 30 to 40 minutes.

Position racks in the upper third and middle of the oven. Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet on the top rack and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F for at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, lay out a sheet of parchment paper and brush with olive oil. Transfer the ball of dough to the parchment and roll it out into a 10-inch round, stretching it with your hands as needed. Lightly brush the dough with olive oil, cover with another piece of parchment and set aside to let rise slightly, about 30 minutes.

While the dough rises, mix 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce and 1 teaspoon olive oil in a small bowl. Put the chicken in a baking dish, season with salt and pepper and brush with the barbecue sauce mixture. Bake on the middle oven rack until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Let cool, then cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

Uncover the dough and spread with the remaining 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, leaving a 3/4-inch border. Top with the chicken, gouda, mozzarella and red onion. Slide the pizza (on the parchment) onto a pizza peel or another inverted baking sheet, then slide onto the hot stone or baking sheet; bake until the cheese melts and the crust is golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Printable Recipe

I have to say a few things about this recipe. First, it was a bit time consuming. I suggest prepping as much as you can ahead: make & chop the chicken, get the onions and cilantro ready, etc. Second, I went overboard with the smoked gouda cheese. I piled on too much and the smoked flavor really took over. Please follow the measurements and don’t be so heavy handed like I am. Also, don’t accept an alcoholic drink from me that I’ve made unless you want to fall flat on your face later. Heavy handed. Yes.

Other than the cheese being overwhelming, the pizza was good. I’m not sure I’d go to that much trouble making it again but we enjoyed it.

Breakfast this morning was pineapple Chobani, Coconut-Sour Cherry Granola and berries.

I took the kids to school, volunteered to help cut 18 watermelons for a lower school treat and then headed to Cardio Muscle class.

Lunch was another salami sandwich on rye bread with orange veggies and Jalapeno Yogurt Dip.

I just got back from picking up my daughter from school and will be leaving shortly to pick up my son.

This weekend I have some family coming into town so I’m going to bake a couple of treats for them tonight. Hopefully I won’t eat them all before they arrive.

Are you a fan of barbeque chicken pizza? 

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