BBQ Chicken Garlic Bread Pizza
(Easy 20 minute Meal)
BBQ Chicken Garlic Bread Pizza is one of those quick and easy meals that saves the day during busy back-to-school evenings. Frozen garlic bread is topped with saucy BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and a few simple toppings, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s ready in minutes and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
When schedules start filling up in August, this is the kind of recipe I love to have on hand. It uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your freezer or pantry, and it comes together so quickly. Serve it as an after-school snack, an easy lunch, or pair it with a salad for a light dinner.
Loaves of frozen garlic bread make awesome pizzas. I have previously made GARLIC BREAD PIZZA and my favorite,
GARLIC LASAGNA BREAD. We always keep these breads in our freezer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in about 20 minutes
- Uses simple, convenient ingredients
- Great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Perfect for after-school snacks or busy weeknights
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
HOW TO MAKE BBQ CHICKEN GARLIC BREAD PIZZA:
(Full ingredient list and instructions in printable recipe card below)
Ingredients
*Frozen Garlic Bread – Packages usually contain 2 halves of the loaf. This recipe is written for 1 half loaf since there was just 2 of us. You could also use frozen garlic bread toast if you have that.
*BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite brand, or if you have a homemade one, that is great. I used Spicy Sweet Baby Ray’s.
*Rotisserie Chicken– Rotisserie chicken makes this so quick and easy. I keep some in Ziploc bags in my freezer. You can use cooked, shredded chicken breast. Warm the chicken if it is cold.
*Shredded Mozzarella Cheese– Load it up with lots cheese. I do mine in 2 layers. You can use a packaged, pre-shredded or shred it yourself.
*Red onions– Dice the onions. The red onions add color to the pizza.
*Banana Peppers– These just seem to always be on a BBQ chicken pizza. They add just a mild heat flavor and color. I used ones from a jar.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bake the frozen garlic bread for about 8 minutes to lightly crisp it.
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Spread a little extra BBQ sauce over the bread.
- Add a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon the BBQ chicken evenly over the bread.
- Top with more cheese, diced red onions, and banana peppers.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, slice, and serve warm.
Combine the chicken and BBQ sauce in a small bowl.
Bake a loaf of bread about 10 minutes. Use a parchment lined baking pan. This can get messy.
Spread the BBQ sauce on bread, top with some of the cheese, and then the chicken.
Add more cheese, the onions and banana peppers.
Bake about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven, cut into pieces and serve warm.
Tips and Variations for BBQ Chicken Garlic Bread Pizza
- Add bacon, pineapple, jalapeños, or bell peppers for extra flavor
- Use garlic toast slices for individual portions
- Try a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar
- Add fresh cilantro after baking for a fresh finish
Serving Ideas
This BBQ Chicken Garlic Bread Pizza is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a simple green salad or fresh fruit’
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bake the garlic bread first?
Yes, pre-baking helps create a crisp base so the pizza doesn’t get soggy.
Can I use garlic toast instead of a loaf?
Absolutely. Garlic toast slices work perfectly for smaller portions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in a 375°F oven until warmed through.
This post was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.
BBQ CHICKEN GARLIC BREAD PIZZA
Ingredients
- 1/2 loaf frozen garlic bread
- 1 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken, cut in small pieces (may use cooked, skinless breast)
- 1 1/4 cups BBQ sauce, divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/3 cup banana pepper rings (from a jar)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Assemble the ingredients.
- Place the half loaf of frozen garlic bread on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- While the bread is baking, stir the 1 1/2 cups of chicken with 1 cup of the BBQ sauce in a small bowl, combining well; set aside.
- Remove bread from the oven and spread 1/4 cup of the BBQ sauce evenly on it. Top with 1 cup the mozzarella cheese, then the bowl of chicken.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on the chicken, then top with the 1/4 cup of onions and 1/3 cup of banana peppers.
- Return pan to the oven for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, and bread is starting to brown on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and cut into desired size pieces.
Notes
pineapple, jalapenos, bell peppers, tomatoes and cilantro). Baking the garlic bread for 10 minutes before adding ingredients will make it crisper. This recipe works on the individual garlic toast slices also, if the loaves are not available. Store in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. May reheat on a pizza pan or baking sheet at 375 degrees about 8-10 minutes. May also be frozen as instructed in above comment for saving leftovers.
