If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed homemade pizza, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Pizza. It’s got everything you crave: tender chicken, melty cheese, smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, and a crisp, golden crust. This recipe brings together all the best parts of a backyard barbecue and your favorite pizzeria pie, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family night or just want something fun and different for dinner, BBQ Chicken Pizza is sure to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in BBQ Chicken Pizza plays a starring role, adding its own special touch to the final masterpiece. These simple staples create a symphony of taste, color, and texture that will have everyone reaching for another slice.
- Pizza dough (1 ball, about 12 oz): The foundation for that perfect chewy-yet-crispy crust; use store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra love.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup, plus more for drizzling): Smoky, tangy, and a touch sweet, this ties the whole pizza together with bold flavor.
- Cooked chicken breast (1 cup, shredded): Juicy and protein-packed, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for busy nights.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy blanket every pizza needs.
- Shredded smoked gouda (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a layer of smoky richness; swap for more mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste.
- Red onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): Brings a pop of color and gentle sharpness that balances the sweet barbecue sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushing the dough ensures a golden, flavorful crust.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): A simple sprinkle brings all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): A bright, herby finish that wakes up every slice.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by cranking your oven up to a blazing 475°F and slipping a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet inside to get it hot. This step is key for achieving that irresistible crispy crust. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and get ready for pizza night magic!
Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll your pizza dough into a 12-inch round or oval. Don’t stress about perfect circles—rustic shapes just add character. Lay the rolled dough onto a sheet of parchment paper for easy transfer and a mess-free bake.
Step 3: Brush and Sauce
Brush the surface of your dough with olive oil, reaching all the way to the edges. This not only helps create a golden crust, but also acts as a barrier so the sauce doesn’t make the dough soggy. Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border for those delicious, chewy edges.
Step 4: Prep and Add the Chicken
In a small bowl, toss your shredded chicken with a tablespoon of BBQ sauce to coat every bit in flavor. Scatter the chicken evenly over the sauced dough, making sure you get a little in every bite.
Step 5: Layer on Cheese and Onion
Sprinkle mozzarella and smoky gouda (if using) generously over the chicken, then top with thinly sliced red onion. The cheese will melt into the sauce and chicken, while the onions roast to sweet perfection in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment) onto your preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown in spots. The aroma will let you know it’s almost ready!
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Let your BBQ Chicken Pizza cool for a couple of minutes, then drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you like. Sprinkle over plenty of fresh cilantro for that pop of color and flavor. Slice it up and dig in while it’s still hot and melty.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza
Garnishes
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a canvas for fresh, flavorful toppings. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro is classic, but don’t be afraid to toss on thinly sliced green onions, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a few pickled jalapeños for extra zing. A final drizzle of BBQ sauce just before serving adds a glossy finish and an extra punch of smoky sweetness.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which balances out all those bold, cheesy flavors. For something heartier, serve with oven-roasted potato wedges or a refreshing slaw. If you’re feeding a crowd, a platter of fresh fruit or grilled vegetables rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful and serve BBQ Chicken Pizza as bite-sized appetizers by cutting it into small squares or strips—perfect for parties! For a family-style spread, slice the pizza on a large wooden board and let everyone grab their favorite piece. You can even offer a “pizza bar” with extra toppings on the side so everyone can customize their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the cheese and crust from sticking together.
Freezing
BBQ Chicken Pizza freezes surprisingly well! Cool the pizza completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When hunger strikes, you’ll have a homemade treat ready to go.
Reheating
To bring your pizza back to its former glory, reheat slices in a 375°F oven for about 8 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melty. For a quick fix, the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven or a hot skillet will give you the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a fantastic time-saver and works beautifully in this recipe. If you have a favorite homemade version, by all means use it, but don’t hesitate to grab a ball from the bakery section for a quick and easy pizza night.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Any BBQ sauce you love will work, from smoky and spicy to sweet and tangy. For a classic BBQ Chicken Pizza flavor, a balanced sauce with a hint of smokiness and sweetness is ideal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with regional styles or even homemade sauce!
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular pizza dough for your favorite gluten-free dough. All of the other toppings are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy BBQ Chicken Pizza without any worries.
How can I make the pizza spicier?
For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of spicy BBQ sauce before baking. You can even mix a little hot sauce into your BBQ sauce for extra heat.
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! Smoked gouda brings a delicious depth, but you can use all mozzarella, or try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even provolone. Mix and match to create your own signature BBQ Chicken Pizza blend.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza—every bite is packed with flavor, comfort, and a little bit of fun. Whether you’re a pizza pro or a total beginner, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your family or friends (and yourself!). Give it a try and get ready for rave reviews at your next pizza night.
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2–4) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe features a crispy homemade crust topped with smoky BBQ sauce, tender shredded chicken, melty mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses, and a touch of red onion for a perfect balance of flavors. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and an optional extra drizzle of BBQ sauce, this easy-to-make pizza delivers a delicious and satisfying meal that’s great for a casual dinner or entertaining.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough and Sauce
- 1 ball (about 12 oz) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Toppings
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda (optional)
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat thoroughly, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round or oval shape. Transfer the rolled dough onto a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the surface of the dough with olive oil to promote browning and add flavor.
- Add BBQ Sauce: Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to allow the crust to rise and crisp.
- Prepare Chicken Topping: Toss the shredded chicken with a tablespoon of BBQ sauce to coat it evenly, then scatter the chicken over the sauce-covered dough.
- Add Cheese and Onion: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses over the chicken evenly. Top with thin slices of red onion for a mild sharpness.
- Bake Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top if desired, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient shortcut.
- Smoked gouda adds a nice depth of flavor, but feel free to use all mozzarella if preferred.
- For a spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
