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CPK-Inspired BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

For a quick, simple take on pizza, try this BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza recipe.

Crusty French bread is topped with two kinds of barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, crispy bacon, red onion and plenty of mozzarella, then baked until gooey and golden. The pizza is finished with fresh cilantro for brightness.

French bread pizza

BBQ chicken pizza was one of the first non-traditional styles I tried back when California Pizza Kitchen was at its peak. Today you can find barbecue chicken pizza at many restaurants and in the frozen aisle, but making it at home is often tastier and more economical. Scratch-made pizza can be a bit fussy on busy nights, so this French bread version is a perfect shortcut.

This method is a versatile hack for pizza night. Since you slice the loaf in half lengthwise, you can give each side a different flavor: classic pepperoni, buffalo chicken, Thai peanut chicken, or this BBQ chicken version. It’s great for families because everyone can get what they like.

This post explains how to make BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza, inspired by CPK.

Why You’ll Love French Bread Pizza

  • Fast and simple – including cooking the chicken, this comes together in about 30 minutes.
  • Adaptable – change toppings on each half of the bread for variety. Ideal for picky eaters.
  • No dough to fuss with – no rising or stretching required, yet still satisfying.
  • Flexible serving – serve as a full entrée with a salad, or slice into smaller sticks as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
  • Cost-effective – easy pantry staples and simple proteins keep costs down compared to takeout.

French bread pizza

Key Ingredients

French bread – or an Italian loaf, ideally fresh and soft inside with a crisp crust.

Protein – chicken tenders are used here alongside bacon. Boneless chicken breast or thighs also work.

Seasonings – a BBQ rub or a mix of chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Sauces – your favorite barbecue sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s is used here) plus an Alabama white BBQ sauce for a tangy finish.

Mozzarella – shredded or fresh, depending on preference.

Produce – thinly sliced red onion and fresh cilantro for garnish.

French bread pizza

How to Make BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza

Below is a straightforward overview; follow the recipe card further down for exact measurements.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Season chicken with BBQ rub and cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F). While the chicken cooks, season bacon with the same rub and bake until crisp.
  2. Slice the bread lengthwise and remove some of the inner crumb to create a shallow well for toppings.
  3. Spread regular barbecue sauce inside the bread, then add two-thirds of the shredded mozzarella.
  4. Top with diced chicken, bacon bits and sliced red onion. Drizzle with Alabama white sauce and more barbecue sauce if desired.
  5. Finish with the remaining cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 12–15 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, slice and serve.

French bread pizza

BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza (CPK Inspired)

Prep: 15 mins   Cook: 15 mins   Total: 30 mins   Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf French or Italian bread
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (breast or thighs are fine)
  • 5 strips bacon
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce (your favorite)
  • 1/2 cup Alabama white barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade, recipe below)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • BBQ rub (store-bought or make your own as noted below)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Season chicken with BBQ rub and cook in a skillet over medium heat, about 3 minutes per side, until cooked through. While the chicken cooks, sprinkle bacon with BBQ rub and bake until crisp, about 15 minutes. Let chicken rest, then dice; chop bacon into bits.
  3. Slice the bread lengthwise and remove some of the inner crumb to make space for toppings.
  4. Spread barbecue sauce inside the bread, leaving a little to drizzle later. Add two-thirds of the shredded mozzarella, then layer the chicken, bacon, and sliced onion.
  5. Drizzle with Alabama white sauce and a bit more barbecue sauce, then top with the remaining cheese.
  6. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Garnish with chopped cilantro, slice, and serve. Extra white BBQ sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip are great for serving.

Notes

Alabama White Sauce — Whisk together:

  • 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp horseradish
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1–2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (start with 1 Tbsp)
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp hot sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Homemade BBQ Rub — Combine:

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne (adjust for heat)

French bread pizza

Did you try this BBQ Chicken French Bread Pizza? Leave a comment with your feedback or questions. If you make it, share a photo on social media and tag the creator to be featured — seeing your versions is always a joy.