Bbq Chicken Pizza Recipe
If you love bold, smoky flavor with a cheesy twist, BBQ chicken pizza is about to be your new favorite.
I’ve been making this for years, and let me tell you, once you try it out, there’s no going back to plain pepperoni.
It’s one of those recipes that turns an average night into something worth remembering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
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½ small red onion, thinly sliced
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded smoked Gouda or cheddar
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Fresh cilantro leaves (for topping)
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Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the pizza pan)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
Step 2: Lightly flour your work surface and stretch out your pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pan dusted with cornmeal.
Step 3: Brush the dough with olive oil, especially around the edges.
Step 4: Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Step 5: Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Gouda over the sauce.
Step 6: Add your shredded chicken evenly across the pizza, then toss on those red onion slices.
Step 7: Finish with the rest of the cheese on top.
Step 8: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 9: Let it cool for a few minutes, then top with fresh cilantro and slice it up!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using too much sauce. It can make the crust soggy.
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Not preheating your oven. A hot oven makes all the difference.
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Overloading with toppings. It weighs the dough down and messes with the bake.
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Skipping the olive oil. It helps the crust crisp up nicely.
Recipe Best Tips
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Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
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Let the dough rest at room temperature before stretching.
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Smoked Gouda adds a real depth of flavor. Try it if you haven’t yet!
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Cut the onion super thin so it cooks through without burning.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a side salad to balance the richness.
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Add a cold soda or beer for the full pizzeria vibe.
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Great for game nights or casual dinners.
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Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you’re a sauce lover.
Storage and Freezing
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to keep the crust crispy.
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Freeze baked slices with parchment between them for up to a month.
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Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a pre-baked crust?
A: Yes! It cuts down the time; just adjust the baking time so it doesn’t burn.
Q: What BBQ sauce works best?
A: Use what you like. Sweeter sauces work great, but smoky ones are awesome too.
Q: Can I grill this pizza instead of baking it?
A: Definitely. Just use indirect heat and watch the bottom so it doesn’t burn.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use a gluten-free pizza crust—lots of store-bought ones are great now.
Q: What cheese can I substitute?
A: Try Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a Mexican blend.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble the pizza and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
Conclusion
Alright, now it’s your turn to make this BBQ chicken pizza magic happen. It’s got everything—cheese, sauce, tender chicken, and a little zing.
Try it once, and you’ll be hooked. Snap a pic and share your creation in the comments. I can’t wait to see it!
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Bbq Chicken Pizza
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a smoky, cheesy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold flavor and comfort together on one perfect slice.
Ingredients
- 1 ball of pizza dough
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup smoked Gouda or cheddar
- Fresh cilantro (for topping)
- Cornmeal or flour (for pan)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Stretch dough into a 12-inch circle. Place on parchment or a dusted pan.
- Brush dough with olive oil.
- Spread BBQ sauce over the dough.
- Add half the cheese.
- Top with chicken and onions.
- Add remaining cheese.
- Bake 12–15 minutes.
- Cool, top with cilantro, and slice.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Let the dough sit at room temperature before stretching.
- Don’t overload with toppings.
- Thinly slice onions for even cooking.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4Amount Per Serving Calories Approx. 500