BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Ingredients

    For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Toppings:

  • ½ cup pizza sauce
  • ¼ cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Additional barbecue sauce for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up while you prepare the pizza.
  2. For the dough, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm water and olive oil, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes). Cover and let it rise for 30 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with half of the barbecue sauce until fully coated.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into your desired shape (a heart shape is great for a special occasion) and transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
  5. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, followed by the remaining barbecue sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.
  6. Arrange the barbecue-coated chicken and red onion slices evenly over the cheese.
  7. Transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven and drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the top for extra flavor.
  9. Decoration Tips:

  10. Serve the pizza on a large white plate or a wooden board to highlight its vibrant colors and textures.
  11. Arrange the toppings neatly in a pattern for an elegant presentation.
  12. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or chopped cilantro for a touch of greenery.
  13. Slice into wedges and place on a serving platter with a small bowl of barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chicken stock or water
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
  • 3 stalks of lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 slices of fresh galangal (or substitute with ginger)
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 1 cup mushrooms (button or shiitake), sliced
  • 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian options)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Red chili slices
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: First, bruise the lemongrass stalks by gently smashing them with the back of a knife to release their aroma. Then, slice the galangal and tear the kaffir lime leaves to enhance their flavor infusion during cooking.
  2. Heat the Base: Next, in a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it starts simmering, add the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes to allow their flavors to infuse the stock fully.
  3. Add the Chicken and Mushrooms: After that, lower the heat to medium and add the sliced chicken pieces to the pot. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the mushrooms and cherry tomatoes, letting them simmer for 3-4 minutes until tender.
  4. Incorporate the Coconut Milk: At this point, slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently to combine. It is important to avoid letting the soup boil vigorously, as this may cause the coconut milk to curdle. Moreover, add the fish sauce, sugar, and sliced Thai chilies. Adjust the level of spiciness based on your preference.
  5. Finish with Lime Juice: Finally, turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more fish sauce or lime juice as needed for balance. This final touch ensures the soup has the perfect harmony of flavors.