BBQ Chicken Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a savory, smoky, and slightly sweet twist on traditional pizza, featuring tender chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and a golden crust. It’s perfect for pizza night or casual entertaining, offering bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pizza doughcooked chicken breastbarbecue saucemozzarella cheese (shredded)red onion (thinly sliced)fresh cilantro (chopped)olive oilcornmeal (for dusting the baking surface)

directions

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

Sprinkle a pizza peel or a separate baking sheet with cornmeal and place the dough on it.

Brush the dough lightly with olive oil.

Spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Top with shredded chicken (tossed in a bit of barbecue sauce), mozzarella cheese, and sliced red onions.

Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.

Slice and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 large pizza (8 slices).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Use smoked gouda or cheddar for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Add bacon bits or cooked crumbled sausage for extra protein.
Include thinly sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Swap red onion for caramelized onions for a sweeter taste.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
To reheat in a skillet, place a slice on medium heat and cover for 3-4 minutes.
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the toppings.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works great and saves time.

What kind of barbecue sauce is best?

Use your favorite—sweet, smoky, or spicy, depending on your taste.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, it’s a convenient and flavorful option.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Preheat your baking surface and avoid using too much sauce.

Is cilantro necessary?

It adds a fresh finish but can be omitted or replaced with green onions.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pizza dough and check your barbecue sauce for gluten.

How spicy is this pizza?

That depends on your barbecue sauce and whether you add extras like jalapeños.

Can I grill this pizza?

Yes, grill on a pizza stone or directly on the grates over medium heat for 6-8 minutes.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

You can prep the toppings in advance and assemble just before baking.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, swap the chicken for grilled vegetables or plant-based chicken alternatives.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavor-packed option that brings together the smoky richness of barbecue with cheesy, crispy goodness. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, this pizza is sure to satisfy cravings and impress guests alike.

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