BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors all in one bite. If you love a good barbecue, this pizza will quickly become one of your favorites. Juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and melted cheese come together on a crispy crust, making it a fun twist on classic pizza. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something different to serve at your next gathering, BBQ Chicken Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients List
- Pizza Dough – 1 ball (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooked Chicken – 1 ½ cups, shredded or diced
- BBQ Sauce – ½ cup (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- Mozzarella Cheese – 1 ½ cups, shredded
- Red Onion – ½, thinly sliced
- Cilantro – ¼ cup, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Olive Oil – 1 tbsp for brushing the crust
Step-by-Step Guide to Making BBQ Chicken Pizza at Home
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel if using a pizza stone.
Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil to get a golden and crispy crust.
Add BBQ Sauce: Spread an even layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving about an inch around the edge for the crust.
Top with Chicken: Distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the BBQ sauce.
Add Cheese and Onion: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top, followed by thin slices of red onion.
Bake the Pizza: Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
Garnish: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro if you like a fresh finish.
How to Choose the Best BBQ Sauce for Your Pizza
Choosing the right BBQ sauce can make or break your pizza. I’ve found that a sauce with a balance of sweet and tangy flavors works best. Some prefer a smokier BBQ sauce, while others go for a more traditional, slightly spicy option. Experiment with a few brands or make your own to find the one that suits your taste buds.
Perfecting the Chicken for BBQ Chicken Pizza
You can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken for this recipe. I love to lightly coat the chicken in BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza to make it extra flavorful. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika to give the chicken a little more depth.
Choosing the Right Cheese for BBQ Chicken Pizza
While mozzarella is a classic pizza cheese, feel free to mix things up. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar creates a nice balance of creaminess and sharpness. Gouda or even smoked provolone can elevate the smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pizza Dough
Homemade dough always takes your pizza to the next level, but if you’re short on time, store-bought works just as well. If you make your own, let it rest long enough so it’s easy to roll out, and be sure to stretch it evenly to avoid thin spots.
Cooking Methods: Oven vs. Grill for BBQ Chicken Pizza
You can cook BBQ Chicken Pizza in the oven, as mentioned above, or try grilling it for an extra smoky flavor. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high, place the pizza dough directly on the grill grates for 2-3 minutes per side, then add the toppings and finish grilling with the lid closed until the cheese melts.
Topping Ideas to Elevate Your BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Bacon adds a salty crunch.
- Pineapple brings a sweet, tangy twist.
- Jalapeños provide some heat for spice lovers.
- Bell Peppers give extra texture and color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making BBQ Chicken Pizza
1- Too Much Sauce: Don’t overload the pizza with BBQ sauce, or you’ll end up with a soggy crust.
2- Under-seasoning the Chicken: Make sure your chicken is well-seasoned or coated with BBQ sauce for maximum flavor.
3- Not Preheating the Oven or Grill: A hot oven or grill ensures a crispy crust. Preheat thoroughly.
How to Store and Reheat BBQ Chicken Pizza
Leftover pizza? No problem. Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust rubbery.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Variations: Gluten-Free, Vegan, and More
1- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust.
2- Vegan: Replace the chicken with BBQ tofu and use vegan cheese.
3- Low-Carb: Try a cauliflower crust to make it lower in carbs.
Nutritional Information (per slice)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 15g
Conclusion
There you have it. A delicious and simple BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe that you can whip up for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend snack. With its smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household like it is in mine. So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your oven (or grill) and enjoy a slice of pizza perfection.