Wood-Fired Indiana BBQ Chicken Pizza on the Arteflame

Introduction

Bring the flavors of Indiana straight to your backyard with this wood-fired Indiana BBQ chicken pizza. Perfectly grilled on the Arteflame, this pizza features a smoky barbecue sauce, tender reverse-seared chicken, and melty smoked mozzarella, all cooked to perfection on the griddle cooktop. The Arteflame grill ensures a crispy crust without burning, making this pizza a must-try!

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 pizza dough ball
• 1/2 cup Indiana-style barbecue sauce
• 1 cup smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp cornmeal (for dusting the griddle cooktop)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build for about 20 minutes.

Step 2: Reverse-Sear the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts on the center grill grate to sear them at 1,000°F for about 2 minutes per side.
2. Move the seared chicken to the flat cooktop to finish cooking through.
3. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 150°F, then remove from the grill and let it rest (it will continue cooking to 165°F).
4. Slice the chicken into thin strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Dust the flat cooktop with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
2. Stretch out the pizza dough into your desired shape.
3. Place the dough on the griddle cooktop and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom sets and gets light golden-brown.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Flip the pizza dough to cook the other side.
2. Spread the Indiana barbecue sauce over the top.
3. Evenly distribute the sliced chicken.
4. Sprinkle the smoked mozzarella cheese and sliced red onions on top.

Step 5: Grill the Pizza to Perfection

1. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
2. Move the pizza closer to the center for a crispier crust or further out for a more evenly cooked pizza.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the pizza from the grill and let it rest for a minute.
2. Garnish with fresh cilantro and slice into portions.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• Using butter instead of olive oil enhances the flavor of the grilled ingredients.
• Keep an eye on the heat zones; the outer edge of the Arteflame cooktop will cook pizza more slowly for better control.
• Use firewood with mild flavors like oak or hickory for a more balanced smokiness.

Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add sliced jalapeños and a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy kick.
2. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza: Top with grilled pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory balance.
3. BBQ Bacon Chicken Pizza: Add crispy bacon bits for extra smokiness.
4. White BBQ Chicken Pizza: Swap out tomato-based BBQ sauce for an Alabama white sauce.
5. BBQ Mushroom Chicken Pizza: Grill sliced mushrooms on the flat cooktop before adding them to your pizza.

Best Pairings

• Coleslaw – A creamy slaw adds a refreshing contrast.
• Grilled corn on the cob – Sweet and slightly charred corn balances out the barbecue flavors.
• Smoky bourbon cocktail – The deep caramel and vanilla notes complement the grilled chicken beautifully.
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes – A comforting side that absorbs the sauce flavors.
• Fresh lemonade – A bright and tangy drink to cleanse the palate.

Conclusion

With the Arteflame grill, making wood-fired Indiana BBQ chicken pizza is easy and yields incredible flavor. The combination of smoky grilled chicken, sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, and crispy pizza crust makes this a standout dish. Try out the variations to explore different flavors and impress your guests!