Deep Pan Pizza with BBQ Sauce, Mozzarella, Roast Chicken, Red Onion, and Sweetcorn

This delicious, satisfying deep pan pizza has a soft, thick crust with a smoky BBQ sauce, melty mozzarella, juicy roast chicken, and a sweet balance from the red onion and sweetcorn.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Rolling pin
• 12-inch deep pizza pan or cast-iron skillet
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Baking tray (for chicken)
• Spatula or spoon
• Oven mitts
• Small saucepan (for the sauce)
• Pastry brush (optional)

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 500 g (4 cups) bread flour
• 7 g (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 300 ml (1¼ cups) warm water (about 40°C / 105°F)

For the Toppings:

• 200 ml (¾ cup) BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 250 g (2 cups) mozzarella cheese, grated or torn
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 150 g (1 cup) sweetcorn (canned or frozen, drained)
• 200 g (about 1 cup) cooked roast chicken, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting chicken, optional)

Nutritional Information (per slice, assuming 8 slices)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg

Preparation and Cooking Times

• Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
• Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including dough rising)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 ml warm water with the sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the dough: Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a spatula or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on low speed.
3. Knead the dough: If mixing by hand, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 5–7 minutes.
4. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken (if necessary)

• Roasting the chicken (optional): If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, roast your chicken breasts or thighs. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast on a baking tray for about 20–25 minutes until cooked through. Let it cool, then shred it using two forks.

Step 3: Shape and Pre-Bake the Pizza Base

1. Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a round shape about 12 inches in diameter. You want it thick enough for a deep crust (around 1–1.5 cm thick).
3. Transfer to the pan: Place the dough into your deep pizza pan or cast-iron skillet. Gently press the dough up the sides to form a raised edge.
4. Pre-bake the base: To avoid a soggy crust, pre-bake the dough for 8–10 minutes at 220°C (425°F). This will help it hold up under the toppings.

Step 4: Prepare the BBQ Sauce (if making from scratch)

If using store-bought BBQ sauce, skip this step. To make your own:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 200 ml tomato sauce (or ketchup), 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp garlic powder.
2. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

1. Add the BBQ sauce: Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the pre-baked pizza base using a spoon or pastry brush.
2. Add the toppings:
   • Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly across the pizza.
   • Arrange the shredded roast chicken, red onion slices, and sweetcorn evenly on top of the cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Pizza

1. Final bake: Place the assembled pizza in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes at 220°C (425°F) until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
2. Check for doneness: Make sure the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned on top, and the crust should be crisp on the outside but soft on the inside.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once your pizza is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice into 8 wedges.

Optional Tips and Variations

• Add extra flavor: For added flavor, brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder or Parmesan before baking.
• Swap out the toppings: This recipe is flexible. You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil after baking for a fresh finish.
• Cheese options: Swap half of the mozzarella with sharp cheddar or Gouda for a richer flavor.
• Grill it: If you have access to a grill, finishing your pizza on the grill for the last 5 minutes can give it a smoky, charred flavor.

BBQ Pizza Sauce Recipe (Optional)

If you’d like to go the extra mile and make the BBQ sauce from scratch, here’s a quick recipe that’s ready in minutes:

Ingredients:

• 200 ml (¾ cup) tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients over medium heat.
2. Stir continuously and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before using as your pizza sauce.

Nutritional Analysis

The deep pan pizza is a satisfying and balanced meal. Here’s a breakdown of its macronutrients, keeping in mind the portion sizes:

• Carbohydrates: The pizza dough and sweetcorn provide a significant amount of carbohydrates, essential for energy.
• Protein: The roast chicken and mozzarella offer a healthy dose of protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth.
• Fat: The cheese and olive oil contribute to the fat content, providing flavor and satiety. Opting for part-skim mozzarella can help reduce the fat if desired.
• Fiber: The vegetables (red onion and sweetcorn) provide some dietary fiber, aiding in digestion.

The balance of macronutrients makes this pizza a great option for a fulfilling meal. Reducing the amount of BBQ sauce or opting for a lower-sugar version can help minimize sugar intake if needed.

This homemade deep pan pizza is a comforting meal, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables on a thick, fluffy crust is hard to resist. With a relatively simple dough and flexible toppings, it’s also a great option for beginner pizza makers. You can customize it to your liking with additional vegetables, cheeses, or even by swapping the BBQ sauce for a classic tomato base.