Hey there my friend 👋. This BBQ chicken pizza is the real deal. You get that smoky, saucy, cheesy goodness in every bite. And I’ve got a simple trick that makes the crust extra crispy without drying it out.
You don’t need a fancy pizza oven or special tools. Just follow my steps, and you’ll be eating homemade BBQ chicken pizza in no time.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin (or use your hands)
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Parchment paper (optional, but helps with cleanup)
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Spoon for spreading sauce
Important Info
- Servings: Makes 8 slices
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $10-$15, depending on your toppings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes
- Total time: About 30 minutes
- Additional time: 5 minutes (letting the dough rest)
- Calories per serving: About 250-300 calories per slice
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Perfect for all seasons
- Courses: Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Not diet-specific, but can be modified for GlutenFreeDiet or LowCalorieDiet
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicious BBQ chicken pizza and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Pizza dough | Pre-made pizza crust or naan bread |
| BBQ sauce | Honey mustard or buffalo sauce |
| Chicken breast | Rotisserie chicken or turkey |
| Mozzarella cheese | Provolone or Monterey Jack |
| Red onion | Green onions or caramelized onions |
| Olive oil | Melted butter or avocado oil |
| Cilantro | Parsley or basil |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough to about 12 inches wide. If you don’t have a rolling pin, just stretch it with your hands.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
- In a pan, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 2 minutes to warm it up.
- Spread ½ cup BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
- Sprinkle ½ of the shredded mozzarella on top.
- Add the BBQ chicken, sliced red onions, and the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
Helpful Tips
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Rotisserie chicken works great.
- A pizza stone makes the crust crispier, but a regular baking sheet will also work.
- If you like a sweeter BBQ sauce, mix in a little honey before spreading it.
- Don’t overload the pizza with toppings, or it will get soggy.
- Preheating the oven properly is key for a crispy crust.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Pizza
BBQ chicken pizza goes well with a side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or crispy potato wedges. If you want something lighter, a bowl of coleslaw balances out the smoky flavors.
How Do You Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza?
A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works best for slicing. Serve it on a wooden board for a rustic touch. If you like, add extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or hot sauce on the side for dipping.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This pizza is perfect for game nights, parties, and casual dinners. It’s also great for backyard BBQs and summer gatherings. You can even slice it into smaller pieces for a party appetizer.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Leave leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Any longer, and bacteria can grow.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with foil.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Freezing
- For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze.
- It stays good for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly. If you have time, homemade dough adds extra flavor.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this pizza?
A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce works best. Try hickory or honey BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead and store the pizza in the fridge before baking. Just add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes, you can cook it on a stovetop using a large pan with a lid. Cook on low heat for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese melts.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Absolutely. Kids love BBQ chicken pizza, and you can let them help with toppings.
