BBQ Chicken Pizza Bites are a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza, perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer. With tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and topped with fresh cilantro and red onions, these mini bites are both savory and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a game night or looking for an easy meal, these pizza bites are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 package of mini pizza crusts or English muffins (halved)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- Olive oil for brushing
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Arrange the mini pizza crusts or halved English muffins on a baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the crusts with olive oil.
- Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly onto each crust.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, red onion, cilantro, and corn kernels if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pizza bites cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 25-27 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: For a different flavor, try using sharp cheddar cheese, gouda, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.
- Additional Toppings: You can add sliced bell peppers, olives, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free mini pizza crusts or gluten-free English muffins to make these pizza bites gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pizza bites in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds.
10 FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and will add extra flavor to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Can I use store-bought pizza crusts? Yes, store-bought mini pizza crusts or even English muffin halves work perfectly for this recipe.
- Can I make these pizza bites ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture and assemble the pizza bites in advance. Store them in the fridge and bake them when you’re ready to serve.
- Can I freeze these pizza bites? Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza bites before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- What other toppings can I add to these pizza bites? Try adding diced tomatoes, green onions, bacon bits, or even pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
- Can I use a different type of sauce? Yes, you can use different types of sauces, such as buffalo sauce or a honey mustard sauce, for a unique flavor profile.
- What type of cheese is best for these pizza bites? Mozzarella is the traditional choice for pizza, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for a creamier texture.
- How can I make these pizza bites spicier? Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Can I serve these as a meal? Yes, these pizza bites are perfect for serving as a meal with a side salad or some roasted vegetables.
- How can I make these pizza bites more filling? Add extra protein like cooked bacon, sausage, or pepperoni, or serve them with a side of dip such as ranch or blue cheese.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Pizza Bites are a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make snack that combines the bold flavors of BBQ chicken with classic pizza toppings. With endless customization options and a quick cooking time, these pizza bites are perfect for parties, game nights, or as a fun family meal. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for a tasty snack later—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Bites
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These BBQ Chicken Pizza Bites are the perfect finger food for any gathering! Loaded with shredded chicken, melted mozzarella, and a sweet tangy BBQ sauce, these mini pizza bites are topped with fresh red onion, cilantro, and an optional sprinkle of corn for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 package of mini pizza crusts or English muffins (halved)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Place the mini pizza crusts or English muffins on a baking sheet.
- Brush the crusts with olive oil.
- Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture onto each crust.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, red onion, cilantro, and corn kernels (if using).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider adding jalapeños on top before baking.
- These bites can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking, then baked directly from the freezer for a quick snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes