This BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza is a fun twist on pizza! With a crispy tortilla base, it’s topped with tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and melty cheese. Yum!
I love how quick this recipe is—perfect for busy nights! Just pile on your favorite toppings, bake it, and enjoy a flavorful slice. Who knew pizza could be this simple? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla: A large flour tortilla is perfect for this recipe, but you can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. They might be a bit smaller, so adjust your toppings accordingly.
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the star here. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or even shredded turkey. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans or sautéed mushrooms!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. If you’re short on time, any store-bought brand works, but homemade sauce can add a special touch. You can also substitute it with hot sauce for a kick!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that classic pizza pull. Cheddar or Monterey Jack are great alternatives, or you can mix cheeses for more flavor. Vegan cheese works well too if you’re dairy-free.
Red Onion: The sliced red onion adds crunch and a bit of sharpness. If you prefer a milder taste, green onions or sweet onions make good substitutes. You can also omit them if you’re not a fan!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Tortilla Base?
To ensure your tortilla becomes crispy and golden, follow these steps:
- Use a higher oven temperature (around 400°F or 200°C) to crisp the edges quickly.
- Lightly oil the baking surface or the tortilla itself to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Avoid overloading the tortilla with toppings, as too much moisture can make it soggy. Less is more!
- Keep an eye on the pizza while baking. It only takes 8-12 minutes, and you’ll want to catch it just when the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden.
With these tips, you’ll achieve a deliciously crispy BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza every time!
BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large flour tortilla (10-12 inches diameter)
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil (optional, for crisping tortilla)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10-12 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish. A quick and tasty option for any mealtime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a pizza stone, now’s the time to place it in the oven to get nice and hot.
2. Prepare the Baking Surface:
Lightly spray or brush a baking sheet or your pizza stone with a bit of olive oil. This will help your tortilla to crisp up and prevent it from sticking.
3. Assemble the Tortilla Base:
Carefully place the tortilla on your prepared baking sheet or hot pizza stone. This is the base of your pizza!
4. Add BBQ Sauce:
Spread the BBQ sauce over the tortilla evenly, leaving a small border around the edges for a crusty bite.
5. Layer on the Chicken:
Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the BBQ sauce. Make sure it’s spread out so every bite has that tasty chicken.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken. This will melt beautifully as it bakes!
7. Add Red Onion:
Scatter the thinly sliced red onion across the pizza for a nice crunch and flavor punch.
8. Bake the Pizza:
Put the pizza in the oven and bake for about 8-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese and crispy edges.
9. Garnish:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor.
10. Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a minute, then slice it into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Enjoy your scrumptious BBQ Chicken Tortilla Pizza—crispy, saucy, cheesy, and vibrant—a perfect meal anytime!
Can I Use a Different Type of Tortilla?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses a large flour tortilla, you can easily switch to corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Just remember that corn tortillas may be smaller, so adjust your toppings accordingly.
Can I Substitute the Chicken?
Yes, you can! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great, but you can also use canned chicken or even sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through to maintain some crispiness.
Can I Make This Pizza in Advance?
For sure! You can prepare the toppings and assemble the pizza without baking it. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy. It may need a couple of extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge.
