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Get ready for a smoky, spicy, cheesy BBQ chicken pie everyone wants another slice of. Start with homemade dough, pile on chipotle chicken, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and you’re on track for a winner. Even if this is your first time making dough, you’ll nail it by the end—just follow along for tasty results at home.
The first time I made this, it was stormy out and shops were closed—now, my crew wants it more than pizza from anywhere else. We always roll out dough together now; it’s our weekend fun.
Ingredients
- Garlic: a must for the chicken and drizzle fresh makes every bite pop
- Fresh Lime Juice: use squeezed limes so your drizzle has zip and brightness
- Mayonnaise: the creamy base for the chipotle finish go for the real kind, not substitutes
- Fresh Parsley or cilantro: brings color and flavor rinse and chop before topping
- Cherry Tomatoes: little juicy flavor bursts cut in half for easy eating
- Red Onion: adds sweet bite and a pop of color go for shiny, firm onions
- Bacon: gets crunchy and smoky crisp it up before adding so it stays perfect
- Mozzarella Cheese: nicely shredded gives more melt and less grease if you do it yourself
- BBQ Sauce: the sauce that brings sweet and smoky together pick a thick one for easy spreading
- Chipotle Seasoning: pure chipotle powder gives that signature heat skip blends with extra fillers
- Chicken Breasts: the main topping pick fresh and pound it flat so it cooks evenly
- Olive Oil: adds real flavor and softness use extra virgin cold-pressed for best results
- Active Dry Yeast: makes the dough airy and light make sure it’s not expired so it rises right
- All Purpose Flour: sifted makes the classic pizza base stick with unbleached if you can
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Finish with Drizzle:
- Pull your pie out, cover with chipotle sauce, then slice and dig in
- Bake the Pizza:
- Crank the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit Slide your pizza in and bake 12-15 minutes ‘til bubbly cheese and golden edges
- Assemble the Toppings:
- Smear BBQ sauce all over the base Top with cheese, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and anything else you like
- Shape the Pizza:
- Roll or stretch the dough after proofing so it fits your pan or stone however thick or thin you want
- Mix the Chipotle Drizzle:
- Mix mayo, lime juice, garlic, chipotle, salt, and pepper in a bowl until it’s totally creamy set aside
- Prep the Chicken:
- While the dough does its thing, rub chicken with chipotle, garlic, italian herbs, salt, pepper Sear in butter on medium-high ‘til cooked and then shred
- Knead and Proof:
- Place dough on floured counter Knead a few minutes until bouncy Coat bowl with oil, put the dough in, cover, and let it rise somewhere warm about an hour
- Add Sugar Water and Oil:
- Dissolve sugar in warm water, then pour into flour mix with oil attached Use a dough hook and mix on medium-low till a soft dough forms
- Make the Dough:
- Throw sifted flour, salt, and yeast in a mixer Use the whisk so everything’s combined Make sure your yeast is bubbly and alive
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Every time I make this, I picture those summer nights where my kids can’t wait to grab the first steamy slice Sprinkling on parsley at the end gives a fresh garden kick I never miss that step
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool first Pop slices in a covered container with parchment between each so the bottom doesn’t get soggy Your pizza will last three days chilled Heat it in the oven at 350 Fahrenheit for best crunch and gooey cheese
Ingredient Swaps
Want more kick? Toss in some sliced jalapenos with your toppings Swap mozzarella for cheddar or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor If you need it gluten free, grab your favorite safe dough and double check all your ingredients
Serving Suggestions
Dish this up hot from the oven Serve with a crisp salad or slaw to balance the bold sauce Slice smaller for snacks at a party Extra lime juice or sauce on top makes every bite stand out
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A Slice of History
This mash-up takes Italian pies and adds that American BBQ touch The chipotle gives a Tex-Mex twist that’s extra popular Topping it your own way at home is what makes it extra fun
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make my dough super light and fluffy?
Let the dough sit somewhere warm until it's puffy and doubled. Work it well, but don't handle it too much — that's how you get the best texture.
- → Where does all that spicy smoky flavor in the chicken come from?
A mix of chipotle, some garlic powder, and Italian herbs, then a quick sear in your pan for a deep, rich flavor.
- → Can I swap chicken for anything else?
Totally! Pulled pork, shredded beef, or even roasted veggies taste awesome on this pizza style.
- → Which sauce goes best under the chipotle toppings?
BBQ sauce that's thick and tangy is your best bet — it works so well with the smoky chicken and the bacon on top.
- → What's the trick for that perfect balance of crunchy and soft in the crust?
Pop it on a hot pizza stone or tray in an oven set to 425°F and you'll get that dreamy texture every time.
- → Can I get a head start and prep this early?
For sure—make your dough and toppings beforehand, then build and bake it fresh when it's munch time.