Arteflame BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Smoky Grilled Delight

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious combination of tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melty cheese, all on a crispy crust. By preparing this pizza on the Arteflame grill, you can add an extra layer of smoky flavor that enhances the entire dish. Perfect for a casual dinner or a fun weekend meal, this BBQ Chicken Pizza is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Flour for dusting

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)

For the Chicken Marinade (optional):

• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Grill

Start by firing up your Arteflame grill, creating a medium-high heat zone on the flat cooktop. You’ll use this area to cook the chicken (if marinating) and the pizza. Use the optional Arteflame Pizza Oven if you have one.

2. Prepare the Chicken

If you want to add extra flavor to the chicken, marinate it in a mixture of barbecue sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. Cook the chicken on the flat cooktop until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from the grill, let it cool slightly, and then shred or dice it.

3. Prepare the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil to prevent sticking and to help develop a crispy crust on the grill.

4. Grill the Pizza Dough

Use the optional Arteflame Pizza Oven if you have one. Make sure you move the firewood away from being directly underneath the pizza, this way the toppings cook at the same speed as the crust. Place the dough, oiled side down, directly on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned and crispy. Brush the top side of the dough with olive oil, then flip the dough over.

5. Add the Toppings

Once the dough is flipped, quickly spread a layer of barbecue sauce over the top. Evenly distribute the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, smoked Gouda, red onion slices, and any additional toppings like corn, jalapeño, or cilantro.

6. Cook the Pizza

Cover the pizza with a grill-safe lid or large metal bowl to trap the heat and help the cheese melt. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top if desired. Slice the pizza and serve it hot, enjoying the smoky, tangy flavors.

Tips

• Use a pizza stone: For an even crisper crust, you can use a pizza stone on the Arteflame grill. Preheat the stone on the grill before placing the dough on it.
• Experiment with sauces: Try different barbecue sauces, like a spicy or honey version, to change up the flavor profile.
• Monitor the heat: Keep an eye on the grill’s temperature to avoid burning the crust. You can adjust the cooking zone to a lower heat if needed.

Recipe Variations

1. Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Replace the barbecue sauce with buffalo sauce, and add blue cheese crumbles for a spicy twist.

2. BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza

Substitute pulled pork for chicken and add pickled onions for a Southern-inspired pizza.

3. Vegetarian BBQ Pizza

Omit the chicken and load the pizza with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.

4. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza

Add pineapple chunks and Canadian bacon along with the barbecue chicken for a sweet and savory combination.

5. BBQ Brisket Pizza

Use leftover smoked brisket instead of chicken for a rich, smoky flavor.

Best Pairings

• Side Dish: A simple green salad or coleslaw to balance the rich flavors
• Drink: A cold beer, especially a pale ale or lager, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• Dessert: Grilled peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet finish

Conclusion

This Arteflame BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe combines the smoky, grilled flavors of barbecue chicken with the gooey goodness of melted cheese on a crispy pizza crust. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza with a smoky twist, perfect for any occasion.