Get ready to elevate your appetizer game or simplify your dinner routine with these irresistible BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups! Crafted with just a few simple ingredients and bursting with savory BBQ flavor, these handheld delights are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or a fun meal for the family.
The Ultimate Handheld BBQ Pizza Experience
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a meal you can hold in your hand, and these BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups perfectly capture that charm. Building on the success of other beloved handheld recipes like Easy Chicken Parmesan Cups and Philly Cheesesteak Cups, this BBQ chicken version quickly climbed the ranks to become a personal favorite. If you adore the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of traditional BBQ Chicken Pizza, prepare to fall in love with this convenient, portable adaptation. These cups transform a classic comfort food into a versatile dish, perfect as a delicious appetizer for parties, a quick weeknight dinner, or a savory snack any time of day. They are incredibly simple to make, yet deliver an explosion of flavor that will have everyone reaching for more. So, ditch the pizza cutter and get ready to enjoy a fun, flavorful, and fuss-free meal with this fantastic BBQ Chicken Pizza Cup recipe!
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups
These pizza cups are more than just a tasty treat; they offer incredible convenience and versatility that make them a standout recipe. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortlessly Delicious: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these savory cups in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Perfectly Portable: Whether you’re packing lunches, heading to a potluck, or hosting a game day, these individual cups are easy to transport and even easier to eat. No plates or forks required!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, sweet red onion, and gooey cheese baked into a flaky crescent roll shell is universally loved. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist.
- Customizable: While the classic BBQ chicken is fantastic, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. Add different vegetables, experiment with various cheeses, or even swap out the chicken for another protein.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids absolutely adore these pizza cups! Their small size and familiar flavors make them an exciting alternative to traditional pizza, and they can even help with the assembly.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch and freeze the extras for quick meals or snacks later. They reheat beautifully, saving you time and effort on future busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions: Unlock the Secrets to Perfect Pizza Cups
Getting delicious shredded chicken is key for these pizza cups. You have several convenient options:
- Bake or Boil: Cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, you can easily shred the chicken using two forks or even a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for quick results.
- Pre-shredded Chicken: Many grocery stores now offer pre-cooked and pre-shredded chicken in the refrigerated section, which is a fantastic time-saver.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is another excellent shortcut. Simply remove the skin and bones, and shred the meat. It also adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
Aim for about 2 cups of shredded chicken for this recipe.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability! You can absolutely use any of your favorite BBQ sauces. Different sauces will impart different flavor profiles:
- Sweet Honey BBQ: This is a popular choice for a classic, slightly sweet and tangy taste, often favored for its broad appeal.
- Smoky Chipotle: For those who enjoy a little kick and deep smoky notes.
- Carolina-style (Vinegar-based): If you prefer a tangier, less sweet sauce.
- Bourbon or Whiskey BBQ: For a more sophisticated, rich flavor.
Feel free to experiment with a homemade sauce for a truly unique taste, or stick with a trusted store-bought brand. The key is to use a sauce you genuinely love, as it’s a prominent flavor in the cups.
While crescent roll dough sheets are incredibly convenient for their seamless design, you absolutely don’t have to limit yourself to them. Regular crescent rolls work perfectly fine! If you’re using regular crescent rolls, simply unroll the dough and make sure to pinch and seal the perforations well to create a solid base for your cups. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking and ensure a sturdy cup. The taste and texture will be equally delicious, regardless of which type of crescent dough you choose.
We find that a Colby Jack mixture provides a wonderful creamy texture and mild, savory flavor that complements the BBQ chicken beautifully. However, you’re encouraged to use your favorite melting cheese! Other excellent options include:
- Cheddar: For a sharper, classic taste.
- Mozzarella: If you love that stretchy, classic pizza cheese pull.
- Monterey Jack: For a mild, buttery flavor and excellent melt.
- Pepper Jack: For those who like a little spicy kick.
- Provolone: Offers a slightly nutty flavor and great melt.
A blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella, can also create a fantastic depth of flavor and texture.
Red onion is traditionally used on BBQ Chicken Pizza because its mild sweetness and slight sharpness beautifully cut through the richness of the BBQ sauce and chicken, adding a lovely pop of color and flavor. However, feel free to use any kind of onion you prefer, or even omit it if you’re not a fan:
- Yellow or White Onion: These will offer a stronger, more pungent flavor when cooked.
- Sweet Onion (Vidalia, Walla Walla): For an even milder and sweeter caramelized onion flavor.
- Green Onions/Scallions: You could chop and add these fresh as a garnish after baking for a milder, fresher onion note.
Adjust according to your personal taste and what you have on hand.
These BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups are fantastic for meal prep and freezing!
- Refrigeration: Store any fully cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the fully cooked and cooled BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will keep frozen for up to 6 months.
- Reheating: To reheat from the refrigerator, simply warm them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or for a crispier crust, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. From frozen, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crisp. For best results, allow them to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and onion mixture a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the cups with the dough and cheese, then bake as directed. This makes weeknight dinners incredibly quick and easy. You can also assemble the entire cup and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, though the dough might lose a little of its flakiness.
Of course! These cups are highly versatile:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture, or use a spicy BBQ sauce. A few slices of jalapeño could also be added.
- Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, try shredded pork, ground turkey, or even vegetarian crumbles mixed with BBQ sauce.
- Veggies: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers, corn, or even a handful of spinach into the chicken mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Look for gluten-free crescent roll dough or puff pastry as an alternative to make this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the cups to your taste preferences!
Essential Ingredients for Your BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful pizza cups. You’ll be surprised at how few items you need for such a flavorful outcome!
- Unsalted Butter: For sautéing the onions and adding a rich base to the filling.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced, offering a mild sweetness and slight crunch that’s characteristic of BBQ chicken pizza.
- Shredded Chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded, this is the star of your filling. See FAQ for easy preparation methods.
- BBQ Sauce: Your favorite brand or homemade recipe will work perfectly here. A sweeter, tangier sauce tends to complement the other ingredients best.
- Fresh Cilantro: Finely chopped, this adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish. Don’t skip it if you love cilantro!
- Crescent Roll Dough Sheet: The foundation of your cups. These convenient sheets make forming the cups incredibly easy. (Regular crescent rolls can be substituted, just seal the perforations.)
- Colby Jack Cheese: Shredded, providing a beautiful melt and a creamy, mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ chicken.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and textures of these fantastic pizza cups. Make sure you have everything ready for a smooth and enjoyable cooking process!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups: A Simple Guide
Creating these delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Prepare Your Oven and Onions: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium skillet set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced red onions to the melted butter and sauté them gently. Cook until the onions have softened and become translucent, which typically takes about 5-8 minutes. This step helps to mellow their flavor and brings out their natural sweetness.
- Create the Flavorful Filling: Once the onions are softened, add the shredded chicken, your chosen BBQ sauce, and the fresh chopped cilantro to the skillet. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the BBQ sauce and everything is well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat and set this delicious filling aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dough.
- Prepare the Muffin Tin and Dough: Generously grease 8 sections of a standard muffin tin with baking spray. This is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your pizza cups. Next, unroll the crescent roll dough sheet onto a clean work surface. Using a knife or pizza cutter, carefully cut the dough into 8 equal, even sections. Gently press each piece of the dough into one of the greased muffin tin sections, shaping it to form a cup that extends slightly up the sides. Repeat this process for all 8 pieces of dough.
- First Layer of Cheese: Take about 1/2 cup of your shredded Colby Jack cheese and evenly distribute it to the bottom of each crescent dough cup. This layer of cheese not only adds flavor but also helps create a barrier that keeps the dough from getting soggy.
- Add the Chicken Filling: Spoon the prepared BBQ chicken mixture generously on top of the cheese layer in each cup. Ensure each cup receives an even amount of filling.
- Second Layer of Cheese: Top the chicken mixture with another 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. This will melt down and create a delicious, gooey layer over the chicken.
- Form and Seal the Cups: Gently take the corners of the crescent dough from each cup and fold them inward over the top of the filling, pressing lightly to seal them together and form a neat little cup. You don’t need to completely enclose the filling; a rustic, open-top look is perfectly fine and allows some cheese to crisp up.
- Final Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of each folded cup. This will create a golden-brown, cheesy crust when baked. Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and puffed, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven. Let the cups cool for a minute or two before gently removing them. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups!
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
To ensure your BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups turn out perfectly every time, and to spark inspiration for future batches, consider these helpful tips and creative variations:
- Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling the cups can lead to spillage during baking and soggy bottoms. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
- Grease Your Muffin Tin Well: This is a non-negotiable step to ensure your cups come out easily without sticking. Use cooking spray or butter.
- Room Temperature Dough: Let your crescent roll dough sit out for about 10-15 minutes before unrolling. It will be more pliable and easier to work with.
- Seal Those Perforations: If using regular crescent rolls instead of dough sheets, make sure to thoroughly pinch together any perforations to create a solid base.
- Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture, or use a spicier BBQ sauce. Diced jalapeños can also be a fantastic addition for a kick.
- Add More Veggies: Finely diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even some corn kernels can be mixed into the chicken filling for added nutrition and flavor.
- Different Proteins: Experiment with pulled pork, ground turkey, or even cooked and crumbled bacon for different flavor profiles.
- Cheese Blends: Don’t limit yourself to Colby Jack! A blend of mozzarella and provolone for a classic pizza taste, or a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, can be excellent.
Serving Suggestions for Your Pizza Cups
These BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Appetizer Perfection: They are ideal as a party appetizer, served warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Quick Dinner: Pair them with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and easy weeknight meal.
- Lunchbox Hero: Pack them in lunchboxes for a delicious and exciting midday meal. They’re great both warm and at room temperature.
- Game Day Snack: A guaranteed touchdown at any sports viewing party.
Want More Delicious Handheld Recipes?
If you’re a fan of these easy, flavorful, and fun-to-eat cup recipes, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic creations that are sure to become family favorites:
- BBQ Beef Biscuit Cups
- Spaghetti Cups
- Crack Chicken Cups
- Mini Chicken Pot Pies
- Cheeseburger Crescent Cups
- Taco Pockets
- Sloppy Joe Cups
BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups Recipe
With just a few ingredients and a delicious filling, these BBQ Chicken Pizza Cups are a fun appetizer or dinner time meal that’s quick to prepare and a joy to eat!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 (Makes 8 cups)
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup thinly sliced red onion (approximately 1/4th of a red onion)
- 2 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 1 roll crescent roll dough sheet (or regular crescent rolls, sealed at perforations)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced red onions and cook until softened, about 5-8 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and fresh cilantro to the pan with the onions. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Generously grease 8 sections of a muffin tin with baking spray. Unroll the crescent dough onto a clean work surface and cut it into 8 even sections. Gently press each piece of dough into one of the greased muffin tin sections, shaping it to form a cup. Repeat for all pieces.
- Take 1/2 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese and evenly distribute it to the bottom of each crescent dough cup.
- Spoon the prepared BBQ chicken mixture on top of the cheese layer in each cup.
- Top the chicken mixture with another 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese.
- Gently fold the corners of the crescent dough inward over the top of the filling, lightly pressing to form a small cup and partially seal the filling.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of each folded cup.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with optional fresh cilantro. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Regular crescent rolls can be easily swapped out for the dough sheets; just ensure the perforations are well-sealed.
- This recipe can be easily doubled; simply use two muffin tins for a larger batch.
- These pizza cups are freezer-friendly! Follow the storage and reheating tips provided in the FAQ section above.
- Feel free to use any type of onion you prefer, though red onion is traditional for its complementary flavor.
- Always use your favorite BBQ sauce to ensure the best taste that aligns with your preferences.
- Any good melting cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, can be used instead of Colby Jack.
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
Calories: 409 kcal
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 30 g
Fat: 25 g
Sodium: 592 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 9 g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used, and exact serving sizes.