BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining tender BBQ chicken, melty mozzarella, and tangy red onions all atop a golden, crispy crust. Every bite bursts with flavor and freshness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, staple ingredients is all you need to whip up a sensational BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. Each component brings its own unique flair that enhances texture, color, and taste beautifully.

• Pizza dough: The sturdy, golden base that holds all the delicious toppings together; fresh or store-bought works perfectly.
• Cooked chicken breast: Tender and shredded, providing a hearty and protein-rich center for the pizza.
• BBQ sauce: This smoky, tangy sauce acts as both the marinade for the chicken and the savory spread on the dough, infusing the pizza with bold flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: The meltiest, creamiest cheese that blankets the pizza in gooey goodness.
• Red onion: Adds a crisp bite and mild sharpness that balances out the sweet and smoky BBQ elements.
• Fresh cilantro: Sprinkled on top for a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens every bite.
• Olive oil: Brushed on the crust edges to encourage a golden, crispy finish and subtle richness.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Dough

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 475°F. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your favorite thickness; whether you like it thin and crispy or a bit more doughy, this step sets the foundation. Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet and take a moment to brush the edges with olive oil. This little trick ensures a beautifully golden, flavorful crust.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

While the oven is warming up, shred or chop your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss these pieces with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until every chunk is well coated. This not only infuses the chicken with incredible barbecue flavor but also keeps it juicy when baked.

Step 3: Add Base

Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the rolled-out pizza dough, leaving at least a one-inch border for the crust. Next, sprinkle half of your mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. This layering helps build a melty, cheesy base that complements the chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Scatter your BBQ chicken pieces over the cheese evenly. Then, add thinly sliced red onions for a welcomed crunch and sharpness that cuts through the richness. Top everything off by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese, creating that irresistibly gooey topping.

Step 5: Bake Pizza

Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust achieves a golden brown color and the cheese bubbles and melts into a perfect cheesy layer. Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the pizza; this vibrant herb enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is the classic garnish here, but feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the tangy BBQ flavors in a creamy way. Each garnish adds a new layer of complexity and depth to each mouthful.

Side Dishes

Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A side of coleslaw also works beautifully, offering a refreshing crunch that contrasts with the warm, cheesy pizza.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family dinners, consider slicing the BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe into small squares and serving it buffet-style for easy sharing. You can also set up a DIY pizza station with extra toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even pineapple for guests to customize their slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, consider placing a paper towel underneath the pizza slices to absorb extra moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the baked pizza slices individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. Frozen slices keep well for up to 1 month, perfect for a quick snack or meal on a busy day.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover pizza is in a skillet over medium heat. This technique crisps up the crust while gently melting the cheese again. Alternatively, pop slices in the oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes if you’re reheating multiple pieces at once.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds even more flavor since it’s already seasoned and cooked perfectly. Just shred and toss it with BBQ sauce as directed.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose your favorite—whether it’s sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. A thick, robust BBQ sauce helps the chicken coating and pizza base hold up well during baking, enhancing the overall flavor.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free version available at many stores, or make your own gluten-free dough. The rest of the ingredients work just the same.

Is fresh cilantro necessary?

While fresh cilantro adds a lovely brightness and freshness, if you’re not a fan, you can substitute with fresh parsley or even green onions for a hint of herbal contrast.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Brushing the edges with olive oil helps seal the dough. Also, baking the pizza at a high temperature ensures a crisp crust. Avoid overloading with sauce or toppings to maintain a perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from your oven. Easy to make, bursting with flavors, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family any day of the week. Once you taste it, you’ll see why this has become a fast favorite in our kitchen!

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