Life gets busy, and sometimes, you just need a delicious, satisfying meal that doesn’t require an hour in the kitchen. That’s where these BBQ Chicken English Muffin Pizzas come in! They’re incredibly simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and cheesy without all the fuss. Think of them as your secret weapon for a fast, flavorful dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m all about smart shortcuts in the kitchen that don’t compromise on taste, and this recipe delivers on all fronts. What’s not to love? You get the tangy, smoky goodness of BBQ chicken, the satisfying crunch of a perfectly toasted English muffin, and a generous layer of melted cheese – all in about 15 minutes. It’s customizable, kid-friendly, and a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Plus, it’s a fun, deconstructed pizza experience that always brings a smile to my face. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a fun snack when friends drop by.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these fantastic English muffin pizzas:

• 4 English muffins, split
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can quickly cook a chicken breast in a skillet or even use a canned chicken in a pinch. Ground turkey or even pulled pork would also work!
• BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors – spicy, sweet, or smoky, whatever you prefer!
• Cheese: While mozzarella is classic, a blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a smoked gouda would be delicious.
• Toppings: Get creative! Sliced bell peppers, jalapeños for a kick, or even some pineapple chunks can elevate your pizza. Diced cooked bacon or crumbled cooked sausage would also be fantastic additions.
• English Muffins: While English muffins are the star here, you can also use pita bread, bagels, or even sturdy sandwich bread for a similar quick-pizza effect.

List of Steps for the Recipes

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly toast the split English muffins in a toaster or directly in the oven for a few minutes to give them a slight crisp. This helps prevent them from getting soggy.
2. Mix Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
3. Assemble Pizzas: Place the toasted English muffin halves on a baking sheet.
4. Layer It Up: Spread a spoonful of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over each English muffin half.
5. Cheese Please: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the BBQ chicken. If using, add the thinly sliced red onion.
6. Bake: Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the English muffins are golden brown and crispy.
7. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the toasting: Pre-toasting the English muffins is crucial for a crisp base and prevents sogginess.
• Don’t overload: While it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, too much can make the English muffins soggy and hard to handle.
• High heat: Baking at a higher temperature ensures quick melting of the cheese and a nice crisp on the edges.
• Watch carefully: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your pizzas to prevent burning the cheese or muffins.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These BBQ Chicken English Muffin Pizzas are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a simple side salad for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette dressing would complement the richness of the BBQ sauce perfectly. For a heartier side, consider some crispy oven-baked fries or sweet potato fries.

Looking for other quick and satisfying meals? Check out these Sheet Pan Quesadillas or this delicious Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Storage and Leftover Tips

While these pizzas are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (around 350°F/175°C) for a few minutes until heated through and the cheese is re-melted. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the English muffins soggy.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed these easy-peasy pizzas, you might also like some of these other quick and delightful recipes from my kitchen:

• For a savory snack or appetizer, try this incredible Crockpot Nacho Dip.
• If you’re craving something sweet after your meal, these decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs are an absolute must-try.
• And for another fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas, my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is always a hit!

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Chicken English Muffin Pizzas are a testament to the fact that incredibly tasty meals don’t have to be complicated. They’re a staple in my home for busy weeknights, and I hope they become one in yours too! Give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac on social media for more quick, delicious, and easy recipes!