Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is easy to make at home, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly customizable. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and can be made with store-bought or homemade dough. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want to spice up your pizza routine, this recipe delivers a fun and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- Barbecue sauce
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Red onion (thinly sliced)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- Olive oil (optional, for brushing the crust)
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pizza pan or stone)
Directions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
- Prepare the dough: Roll or stretch your pizza dough into a 12–14 inch round. Place it on a pizza peel, baking sheet, or parchment paper dusted with cornmeal or flour.
- Add the base: Spread a layer of barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Assemble the toppings: Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then add thin slices of red onion.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Slice and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version: Add jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.
- Cheese blend: Use a mix of mozzarella, gouda, and cheddar for more flavor.
- Ranch drizzle: Finish with a swirl of ranch dressing for added creaminess.
- Grilled crust: Cook the pizza on a grill for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Low-carb option: Use a cauliflower or keto-friendly crust instead of traditional dough.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain a crispy crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from becoming soggy. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and makes the recipe even quicker to prepare.
What kind of barbecue sauce should I use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. Choose one that complements the flavor profile you enjoy.
Can I make this pizza on a grill?
Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat, using indirect heat for 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Is fresh or pre-cooked dough better?
Either works. Store-bought dough is convenient, but homemade dough offers a fresher flavor and texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza crust and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free as well.
Do I need to cook the chicken before adding it to the pizza?
Yes, the chicken should be fully cooked before topping the pizza, as the baking time is not long enough to cook raw chicken.
What’s a good cheese alternative?
Try gouda or smoked provolone for a smoky twist, or vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
How can I make it crispier?
Bake on a preheated pizza stone or steel, and avoid overloading the toppings to keep the crust crisp.
Can I use a sheet pan?
Yes, just shape your dough to fit the pan and bake until golden and bubbly.
What sides go well with BBQ Chicken Pizza?
A simple green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables pair well for a complete meal.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun and flavorful way to upgrade your pizza night with bold, smoky-sweet tastes and satisfying textures. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or a weekend treat. Once you try it, it just might become your go-to pizza favorite.
PrintBBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a bold, smoky-sweet twist on classic pizza, featuring barbecue sauce, juicy chicken, melty cheese, and red onion on a crisp crust. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling, optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal or flour (for dusting baking surface)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Roll or stretch pizza dough into a 12–14 inch circle. Transfer to a floured or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet or parchment paper.
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Top with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and thinly sliced red onions.
- Transfer pizza to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Swap in gouda or cheddar for a smokier or sharper cheese profile.
- Bake on a preheated pizza stone or steel for a crispier crust.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in oven or skillet for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 of pizza)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
