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When Friday night pizza cravings hit but you're too tired to deal with dough, these BBQ chicken naan pizzas come to the rescue. I discovered this shortcut one evening when I had leftover rotisserie chicken and some naan bread that needed using up. The combination of sweet barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and crispy bacon on pillowy naan creates something that rivals any takeout pizza.
Last night, my picky teenager actually asked for seconds - that's when you know you've hit recipe gold. The way the edges of the naan get crispy while the middle stays soft is pure magic.
Essential Ingredients
- Fresh naan bread creates the perfect base
- Sweet barbecue sauce adds sticky goodness
- Cheddar jack cheese melts beautifully
- Leftover chicken saves time
- Crispy bacon brings the crunch
- Red onion adds sharp contrast
- Fresh cilantro brightens everything
- Olive oil ensures crispy edges
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Detailed Instructions
- Prep Your Base
- Start by giving those naan breads a light coating of olive oil. Spread your barbecue sauce generously, but leave that border - it'll get gorgeously crispy in the oven.
- Layer With Love
- Begin with a cheese foundation - this helps everything stick. Add your chicken and bacon, then crown it with more cheese. That double layer of cheese is crucial for perfect melting.
- Bake to Perfection
- Watch through the oven door as everything transforms - the cheese bubbles, the edges get golden, and your kitchen starts smelling amazing.
- Final Flourish
- A shower of fresh cilantro at the end isn't just for looks - it adds that perfect fresh contrast to all the rich flavors.
Perfect Pairings
A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through all that richness perfectly. On game nights, I'll serve these with some ranch dressing on the side for dipping those crispy edges. Add a cold beer or fizzy lemonade, and you've got the perfect casual dinner setup. Sometimes I'll whip up some coleslaw - that tangy crunch works beautifully with the sweet BBQ sauce.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of personal pizzas is how easily they adapt. Sometimes I'll add sliced jalapeños for heat, or pineapple for that sweet-savory thing. My vegetarian daughter loves hers with BBQ cauliflower instead of chicken. During summer, I'll throw some grilled corn kernels on top. You can even switch up the cheese - pepper jack adds a nice kick.
Keep It Fresh
These are best fresh from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melty and the edges are crispy. If you need to make them ahead, prep all your toppings and assemble just before baking. Leftover toppings keep well in the fridge, ready for tomorrow's pizza night.
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What started as a way to use up leftovers has become our favorite Friday night tradition. There's something special about everyone gathering around the counter, building their own perfect pizza. It's proof that sometimes the best meals come from a little creativity and whatever's in your fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken works best?
- Leftover grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken all work well.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Yes, any melting cheese works. Cheddar, mozzarella, or other blends are good options.
- → How do I prevent soggy naan?
- Leave a border when spreading sauce and don't over-sauce the pizzas.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Best served fresh, but you can prep toppings ahead of time.
- → What can I serve with these?
- A simple salad or coleslaw makes a great side dish.