If you’re craving a slice of smoky, tangy, and downright irresistible comfort food, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender shredded chicken with rich barbecue sauce, gooey melted cheeses, and vibrant red onions on a perfectly crisp crust, it’s a flavor-packed creation that feels like a party in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a get-together, this homemade pizza will quickly become your new favorite go-to dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this pizza sing with flavor. Each component adds something special, from the tangy barbecue sauce to the melty cheeses and the crisp crust, resulting in a balanced and satisfying bite every time.
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12–14 oz): the base to hold all your toppings and deliver that perfect chewy crust.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling): provides sweet and smoky depth that defines this pizza’s character.
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded: tender protein that soaks up the barbecue flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: melts into gooey, stringy goodness that everybody loves.
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese: adds a rich, smoky contrast that elevates the taste.
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: gives a slight crunch and sharpness to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: keeps the crust golden and adds a silky layer of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: for a subtle kick of spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: enhances the savory notes throughout.
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish: adds freshness and a pop of color just before serving.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
First things first, set your oven to a scorching 475°F. Pop in a pizza stone or baking sheet so it heats up alongside the oven – this is your secret weapon for a crispy, restaurant-quality crust.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. This gives you a perfect base that’s not too thick and not too thin – just right for holding all those fantastic toppings.
Step 3: Season the Crust
Transfer your dough to a piece of parchment paper and brush it gently with olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder and black pepper evenly on top to infuse the crust with early layers of flavor right from the edges.
Step 4: Build Your Pizza
Spread half a cup of barbecue sauce across the dough, leaving a thin border around the edge for that classic pizza look. Next, layer on the shredded chicken, mozzarella, smoked gouda, and red onion slices. Each topping plays a vital role – smoky, cheesy, sweet, and sharp, all balanced perfectly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Carefully slide the parchment paper with your pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles up with slight browning. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 6: Add the Final Touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle extra barbecue sauce on top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Let your pizza rest for a couple of minutes before slicing – this helps everything set just right and boosts flavor meld.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Add a handful of freshly chopped cilantro to brighten the rich BBQ flavors and provide a fresh aroma. If you love a bit more zing, a scatter of sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of ranch dressing can add a delightful contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crunchy coleslaw for an easy and refreshing complement. For heartier meals, baked sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables work beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe into personal-sized pizzas for a fun, interactive meal? You could also roll it up as a pizza calzone for a portable twist or garnish with pineapple chunks for a sweet-savory surprise that jazzes up the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick, delicious snack or meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep the magic longer, freeze your cooked pizza slices on a baking sheet individually, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. This stops them from sticking together and keeps the flavors intact for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best results reheating, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes until the cheese bubbles again and the crust crisps up. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that coveted crispness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Absolutely! A good quality store-bought barbecue sauce works perfectly and saves time. Just pick your favorite flavor—whether smoky, sweet, or spicy—to match your taste.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor with minimal effort. You can also grill or bake your own chicken breasts ahead of time to shred for this recipe.
Can I make this pizza dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the mozzarella and smoked gouda with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavor will still shine through thanks to the barbecue sauce and chicken.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Baking your pizza directly on a preheated pizza stone or steel inside your oven promotes a crispier bottom crust. Also, avoid overloading with sauce or toppings which can make the dough soggy.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free variety available at many grocery stores or make your own gluten-free dough to enjoy this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe safely.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is like a little bite of happiness you can make at home that never fails to impress. The blend of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors combined with a crispy crust and melty cheese makes it a real crowd-pleaser. So go ahead and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making it sooner!
Print
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2–4)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe features a crispy, golden crust topped with smoky barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, gooey mozzarella and smoked gouda cheeses, and thinly sliced red onions. Finished with a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce and fresh cilantro, it’s a flavorful and easy homemade pizza perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12–14 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded smoked gouda or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside so it heats up thoroughly. This ensures a crisp crust when baking.
- Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easy handling and transferring later.
- Season the Dough: Brush the dough evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper over the surface to add flavor to the crust.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Layer shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, smoked gouda, and thinly sliced red onions on top of the sauce.
- Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the prepared pizza with the parchment paper onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, drizzle extra barbecue sauce on top, and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and saves time.
- For a crispier crust, bake directly on a pizza stone or steel without parchment paper.
- Add sliced jalapeños if you want a spicy kick.
- Try adding pineapple for a sweet twist to balance the smoky flavors.
