Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love pizza but want something lighter, you’re in the right place. This light BBQ chicken pizza has all the smoky, tangy, and cheesy goodness you crave but with a healthier twist.
I’ll show you how to make a crispy, delicious pizza without all the grease. And guess what? It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy day. Let’s get into it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or brush for spreading sauce
- Oven
Important Info
- Servings: 8 slices
- Estimated Cost: Making this pizza costs about $10, depending on your ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 200 calories per slice
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Lunch, Dinner
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: LowCalorieDiet
How to Make Light BBQ Chicken Pizza
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 small whole wheat pizza crust (or any thin crust of your choice)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (use a low-sugar version for a lighter option)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (use part-skim for fewer calories)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup bell peppers, sliced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
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 Option |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat crust | Cauliflower crust, pita bread |
| BBQ sauce | Homemade tomato-based BBQ sauce |
| Chicken breast | Rotisserie chicken, turkey |
| Mozzarella | Low-fat cheddar, feta |
| Red onion | Green onion, shallots |
| Bell peppers | Cherry tomatoes, mushrooms |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
- Prepare the crust. Lay the pizza crust on a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
- Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the crust using a spoon or brush.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Top the pizza with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, red onions, and bell peppers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
- Let it cool for 2 minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use a pre-cooked pizza crust for a faster meal.
- If you like extra crunch, bake the pizza directly on the oven rack.
- Want a little kick? Add a few red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices.
- Don’t overload the toppings—too much can make the crust soggy.
- If you’re meal-prepping, store extra toppings separately and assemble fresh when needed.
What to Serve with Light BBQ Chicken Pizza
This pizza is great on its own, but you can make it a full meal with:
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh fruit for a sweet contrast
- A chilled iced tea or sparkling water
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Slice the pizza into 8 pieces and serve on a wooden board for a cozy feel. If you’re having guests over, pair it with a dipping sauce like extra BBQ sauce or ranch.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This BBQ chicken pizza is great for casual family dinners, game nights, or outdoor picnics. Since it’s easy to slice and eat, it’s also a hit at parties. You can serve it at summer cookouts or as a fun dinner for kids.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you plan to eat it within a few hours, leave the pizza on a cooling rack covered with a clean kitchen towel. This keeps the crust from getting soggy.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil.
- They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Freezing
- If you want to freeze leftovers, place slices in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between them.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes straight from the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pizza without cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A low-sugar BBQ sauce works best if you’re going for a lighter option. You can also make your own by mixing tomato sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices.
Can I make this on a stovetop?
Yes, you can cook it on a covered skillet over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts.
Is this pizza kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The BBQ sauce adds a sweet flavor that kids love. You can also cut it into small bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, shredded turkey or even lean ground beef works well as a replacement for chicken.