Easy BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza: A Friday-Night Dinner in About 30 Minutes

Friday dinner does not have to involve making dough or waiting for delivery. A loaf of French bread gives you a ready-made base for these easy barbecue chicken pizzas.

Shredded cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, mozzarella, and a little red onion go on top of lightly toasted bread. A few minutes back in the oven melts the cheese and warms everything through.

Cut the pizzas into smaller pieces for sharing, or make larger portions for hungry appetites. It is a simple way to make the end of the week feel a little more fun.

Why This Dinner Works

Rotisserie chicken makes preparation quick.
There is no dough to mix or roll out.
Toppings are easy to adjust for each half of the loaf.

Recipe at a Glance

Servings: 4–6
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15–20 minutes
Total: About 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 loaf French bread, about 14–16 ounces
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups shredded cooked chicken
¾ cup barbecue sauce, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
Optional: chopped cilantro or sliced green onions after baking

How to Make It

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
Slice the loaf lengthwise into two long halves. Place cut-side up on the pan. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.
Bake for 5–7 minutes, until the cut surface is lightly toasted.
Toss the chicken with ½ cup barbecue sauce. Spread the remaining ¼ cup sauce over the toasted bread.
Sprinkle half the mozzarella over the bread. Add the chicken and red onion, then top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the cheese melts and the chicken is hot throughout; refrigerated leftover chicken should reach 165°F. If the cheese browns before the filling is hot, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.
Let rest for 2 minutes, then slice into portions. Add cilantro or green onions, if desired.

What to Serve with It

Keep things easy with a green salad, carrot sticks, or fresh fruit. This also works for a casual movie night at home.

A Simple Tip

Do not skip the first short bake. Toasting the bread before adding sauce helps keep the center from becoming too soft.