BBQ Chicken Ramen Pizza Bake Delight
Elevate your meal game with this unique BBQ Chicken Ramen Pizza Bake Delight, a fusion dish designed to please the whole family without breaking the bank. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines chewy ramen noodles and tender barbecue chicken with a medley of colorful toppings, all baked to perfection. It serves as a hearty, fork-friendly alternative to traditional pizza, making it easier for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this budget-friendly dish packs in flavors and fun. Plus, it allows for customization based on your pantry's offerings, making it a delightful choice for any occasion!
4
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ramen noodles
6 ounces (cooked until just al dente)
egg
1 (beaten)
parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (finely grated)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for greasing the skillet)
barbecue sauce
2/3 cup (for spreading on the crust)
cooked chicken
1 cup (chopped into 1/2 inch chunks)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
red onion
1/2 (thinly sliced)
canned mandarin orange segments
5 ounces (drained well)
pitted black olives
to taste (sliced)
mushroom
to taste (sliced)
canned jalapeno slices
to taste (optional)
bell pepper
to taste (seeded and thinly sliced)
red pepper flakes
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the ramen noodles from their packages. Cook them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until just al dente. Discard the flavor packets or save them for another recipe.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg and finely grated parmesan cheese. Mix well.
3
Drain the cooked ramen noodles thoroughly, ensuring they are as dry as possible, and add them to the bowl. Mix quickly to combine, ensuring all noodles are coated.
4
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
5
Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the vegetable oil and tilt the pan to coat the bottom and sides.
6
Carefully add the noodle mixture to the skillet. Use a fork to spread it evenly across the bottom, pressing down with a metal spatula to compact it. Cook over medium-low heat until the bottom is golden and slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
7
Once the crust is ready, spread the barbecue sauce over the noodles evenly. Scatter the chopped chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8
Layer the thinly sliced red onion and drained mandarin orange segments over the cheese. Add any optional toppings like black olives, sliced mushrooms, jalapeños, or bell peppers at this stage.
9
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
10
Remove the pizza bake from the oven, using a metal spatula to loosen the edges. Slide the entire bake onto a cutting board, slice into wedges, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
12.5
Fat
30
Carbs
17.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BBQ Chicken Ramen Pizza Bake Delight?
It is a fusion dish that combines chewy ramen noodles, tender barbecue chicken, and colorful toppings like mandarin oranges and onions into a hearty, fork-friendly pizza-style bake.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, 12.5g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 17.5g of protein.
How long should I cook the ramen noodles?
Cook the ramen noodles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until they are just al dente.
Should I use the flavor packets included with the ramen?
No, you should discard the flavor packets or save them for another use, as the seasoning comes from the BBQ sauce and other ingredients.
What binds the ramen noodles together to form the crust?
A mixture of one beaten egg and 1/4 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese acts as the binder for the ramen crust.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
What type of pan is best for this pizza bake?
A 12-inch cast-iron skillet is recommended for heating on the stove and finishing in the oven.
How do I prepare the ramen before adding it to the skillet?
Drain the cooked noodles thoroughly to ensure they are as dry as possible before mixing them with the egg and parmesan.
How long do I cook the crust on the stovetop?
Cook the noodle mixture over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes until the bottom is golden and slightly crisp.
What kind of sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of barbecue sauce spread evenly over the ramen crust.
What type of chicken should I use?
Use 1 cup of cooked chicken chopped into 1/2 inch chunks.
Which cheeses are included in the dish?
The recipe uses finely grated parmesan cheese in the crust and shredded mozzarella cheese as a topping.
What fruit is used as a topping?
The dish features 5 ounces of well-drained canned mandarin orange segments.
Are there any suggested vegetable toppings?
Yes, you can add thinly sliced red onion, black olives, sliced mushrooms, and bell peppers.
How can I make the dish spicy?
You can add canned jalapeno slices or red pepper flakes to taste as optional toppings.
How long does the pizza bake need to stay in the oven?
Bake it for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is slightly browned.
Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?
Yes, it is designed as a budget-friendly meal that utilizes inexpensive ramen and pantry staples.
How do I serve the pizza bake once it is finished?
Slide the entire bake onto a cutting board, slice it into wedges, and serve it while it is warm.
Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions that it allows for customization based on your pantry's offerings.
What is the preparation method for the red onion?
The red onion should be thinly sliced before being layered over the cheese.
What oil is recommended for the skillet?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet.
How do I prevent the crust from falling apart?
Pressing down on the noodle mixture with a metal spatula in the skillet helps compact it into a solid crust.
Can I use raw chicken?
The recipe specifically calls for cooked chicken, so you should ensure your chicken is fully cooked before adding it as a topping.
Is this dish suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a quick weeknight meal that is easy to prepare.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 17.5 grams of protein in each serving.
Is the dish fork-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a fork-friendly alternative to traditional pizza.
What temperature should the skillet be when adding the noodles?
The skillet should be heated over medium heat until it is hot before adding the oil and noodle mixture.
How much ramen is needed?
You will need 6 ounces of ramen noodles for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 14 ingredients, including optional toppings.