Wood-Fired BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Combining the smoky flavor of wood-fired cooking with the sweet and tangy taste of barbecue, this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is a fusion that brings the best of both worlds to your palate. Ideal for those who love a touch of American barbecue in their Italian pizza, this recipe will guide you through creating a culinary masterpiece right in your backyard.

The Fusion of BBQ and Pizza: A Culinary Evolution The idea of BBQ Chicken Pizza is a relatively modern culinary innovation, blending traditional Italian pizza with classic American barbecue flavors. It's a testament to the versatility of pizza and how it continually evolves to incorporate diverse, global tastes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or quality store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with half of the BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add a touch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra heat if desired.

Dough Preparation and Preheating the Wood-Fired Oven:

1. Stretch out your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter on a floured surface or pizza peel.
2. Preheat your wood-fired oven to around 700°F (370°C). The high temperature is key to achieving that perfect, smoky, wood-fired taste.

Assembling the Pizza:

1. Lightly brush the stretched dough with olive oil. This helps in creating a crispier crust.
2. Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
3. Distribute the BBQ chicken mixture over the sauce, followed by the red onion slices.
4. Generously top with mozzarella and smoked gouda cheese.

Baking the Pizza:

1. Carefully transfer the pizza into the wood-fired oven using a pizza peel.
2. Cook for 4-6 minutes, rotating the pizza halfway through to ensure an even cook. The high heat will cook the pizza quickly and impart a unique, smoky flavor.
3. Watch for the cheese to bubble and the crust to char slightly – signs of a perfect wood-fired pizza.

Finishing and Serving:

1. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro to add a burst of color and freshness.
3. Slice and serve immediately, enjoying the blend of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors.

Fun Facts and Tips:

• BBQ Chicken Pizza was first introduced by a famous California pizza chain in the 1980s, quickly gaining popularity across the United States.
• When cooking in a wood-fired oven, use hardwoods like oak or maple for a consistent, hot burn and added flavor.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauces – from sweet and tangy to spicy – to find your perfect match.