California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza

California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza Recipe - Delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza from California

Region / culture: California | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza is a delicious and flavorful pizza that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue sauce with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and fresh cilantro. This recipe is perfect for a fun and tasty meal that the whole family will love.

History

California Pizza Kitchen is a popular chain of restaurants known for their innovative and creative pizza creations. The BBQ Chicken Pizza is one of their signature dishes, featuring a unique combination of ingredients that have become a fan favorite over the years.

Ingredients

10 oz (283 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 0.75 inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp favorite barbecue sauce (we use a spicy-sweet sauce)

BBQ chicken pizza dough

cornmeal or semolina or flour, for handling
0.5 cup favorite barbecue sauce
2 tbsp shredded smoked gouda cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 small red onion, sliced into 0.13 inch pieces
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

How to prepare

BBQ Chicken

In a large frying pan, cook the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until it is just cooked, for 5 to 6 minutes.
Avoid overcooking the chicken.
Set aside the cooked chicken in the refrigerator until it is chilled through.
Once chilled, coat the chicken with 2 tbsp of BBQ sauce and set it aside in the refrigerator.

Pizza

Place the pizza stone in the center of the oven and preheat it to 500°F (260°C) for one hour before cooking the pizzas.
Using a large spoon, spread 0.25 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the surface of the prepared dough within the rim.
Sprinkle 1 tbsp of smoked gouda cheese over the sauce.
Cover with 0.75 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Distribute half of the chicken pieces evenly over the cheese, approximately 18 pieces.
Place approximately 18 to 20 pieces of red onion over the surface.
Sprinkle an additional 0.25 cup of mozzarella over the top of the pizza.
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake it until the crust is crisp and golden and the cheese at the center is bubbly, for 8 to 10 minutes.
When the pizza is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and sprinkle 1 tbsp of cilantro over the hot surface.
Slice the pizza.

Variations

Add some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique flavor.
Add some pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the chicken when sautéing it in olive oil. This will ensure that the chicken stays tender and juicy.

- Preheat your pizza stone in the oven before baking the pizza to ensure a crispy crust.

- Sprinkle the cilantro over the hot pizza just before serving to preserve its fresh flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pizza with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the chicken until just cooked to keep it tender.

- Preheat the pizza stone for a crispy crust.

- Sprinkle cilantro over the hot pizza for a burst of fresh flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.

- Use a store-bought pizza dough if you're short on time.

- Use your favorite barbecue sauce for a personalized touch.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and pizza dough ahead of time and assemble the pizza just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the pizza on a wooden cutting board with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this pizza with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This pizza is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (flour in the dough).

Summary

California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza is a tasty and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of barbecue chicken with gooey cheese and fresh cilantro. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a fun and delicious dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in California. Margaret and I had been friends for years, and she was known for her incredible cooking skills. As we sat in her sunny kitchen, she pulled out a recipe card for California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza.

I watched in amazement as Margaret effortlessly chopped vegetables, marinated chicken, and rolled out the pizza dough. She explained each step to me, sharing tips and tricks she had picked up over the years. I was mesmerized by her passion for cooking and her ability to create delicious meals from scratch.

As we waited for the pizza to bake in the oven, Margaret shared the story of how she had learned to make this recipe. She had first tasted it at a California Pizza Kitchen restaurant years ago and had been determined to recreate it at home ever since. She had experimented with different ingredients and techniques until she had perfected the recipe to her liking.

Finally, the pizza was ready and we sat down to enjoy our creation. The flavors were incredible – the tangy barbecue sauce, the juicy chicken, the crisp vegetables, and the gooey cheese all came together in perfect harmony. I couldn't believe that we had made something so delicious right in Margaret's kitchen.

After that day, I knew that I had to learn how to make California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza for myself. I asked Margaret for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. I returned home with a newfound excitement for cooking and a determination to master this recipe.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making the pizza over and over again. I experimented with different toppings, adjusted the cooking time, and perfected my dough rolling technique. Each time I made the pizza, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as I watched my family devour every slice.

As I continued to make the pizza, I started to put my own twist on the recipe. I added extra garlic to the marinade, sprinkled fresh herbs on top, and even tried using different types of cheese. Each variation brought a new depth of flavor to the dish, and I loved the creative process of experimenting with new ingredients.

Before long, my friends and family were raving about my California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza. They would beg me to make it for every gathering, and I happily obliged. I loved sharing this recipe with others and seeing the joy it brought to their faces.

As the years went by, I continued to make this pizza regularly, always tweaking the recipe and adding new elements. I never tired of the process – the smell of the pizza baking in the oven, the sizzle of the chicken on the grill, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

To this day, California Pizza Kitchen-style Chicken Pizza remains one of my favorite recipes. It holds a special place in my heart as a symbol of my love for cooking and the memories I have shared with friends and family. I am grateful to Margaret for introducing me to this recipe and inspiring me to keep experimenting in the kitchen. Cooking has truly become a passion of mine, and I can't wait to see what new recipes and adventures lie ahead.