Name: BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling); 1 cup cooked shredded chicken; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon olive oil; cornmeal or flour for dusting

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This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is hands-down my go-to for game nights, easy entertaining, or whenever I want that crave-worthy mix of smoky, saucy, cheesy goodness without having to dial up the pizzeria. Imagine perfectly golden crust, tangy barbecue sauce, juicy shredded chicken, gooey mozzarella, crisp red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro — all baked together in a slice of pure joy. Whether you’re a weeknight cook or a weekend pizza warrior, this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe delivers unbeatable flavor with just a few simple steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one ingredient list where every item has a clear, delicious role to play. The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is how it brings together pantry classics and a couple of fresh touches to create something truly irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

Pizza Dough: The foundation for your pizza — feel free to use store-bought or homemade, whichever fits your mood or schedule.
BBQ Sauce: Adds that signature sweet-tangy-smoky kick; pick your favorite for the very best flavor.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Makes this pizza hearty and satisfying — a perfect use for leftover rotisserie chicken.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create those irresistible cheesy pulls with every bite.
Thinly Sliced Red Onion: Provides crisp texture and a pop of subtle sharpness to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Brightens up the finished pizza with a splash of color and freshness.
Olive Oil: Brushed on the dough for golden color and a bit of flavor depth.
Cornmeal or Flour: For dusting the surface, ensuring your crust gets that pizzeria-style bottom and doesn’t stick when baking.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Hot Surface

First things first: get your oven blazing hot! Preheat it to 475°F (245°C), and if you have a pizza stone or a sturdy baking sheet, pop it in to heat up too. This is your secret weapon for a crisp, golden crust with serious personality.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pizza Dough

Dust your countertop with a little flour and roll your pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle (or an oval — there are no pizza police here). Don’t stress about making it perfect; rustic shapes are part of the charm. Lay the dough on a piece of parchment sprinkled with cornmeal for extra crunch and easy transfer later.

Step 3: Sauce and Season

Brush the rolled-out dough lightly with olive oil, which helps achieve that gorgeous golden edge. Next, spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edge for that classic pizza look. If you want to amp up the flavor, toss your shredded chicken in a little extra BBQ sauce before adding it to the pizza.

Step 4: Load Up the Toppings

Layer the shredded chicken across the sauce, followed by a generous blanket of mozzarella cheese. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion on top — they’ll roast up sweet and slightly crispy in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Carefully transfer your parchment (with the fully assembled pizza) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is happily bubbling away. The kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly right about now.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

When your BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe emerges from the oven, give it a good drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and a vibrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Slice it up and serve immediately for ultimate enjoyment!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on garnish! A handful of chopped cilantro hits the pizza with fresh, herbaceous notes. For those who love a sweet-and-heat combo, try adding thinly sliced jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Side Dishes

This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe loves good company. Crunchy coleslaw, a simple green salad, or crispy oven fries make delicious sides that round out your pizza night. Even a bowl of tangy pickles fits right in.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice it up into smaller, bite-sized squares for party appetizers, or let everyone customize their own mini pizzas by dividing the dough and setting out toppings buffet-style. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping — trust me, it’s always a winner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together in the fridge, making next-day pizza a real treat!

Freezing

This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe freezes beautifully. Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months — perfect for those nights when pizza cravings hit unexpectedly.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat slices in a hot oven (about 400°F/200°C) for 5–8 minutes; this ensures a crisp crust and melty cheese. The microwave works in a pinch, but a skillet on medium heat is another great method for achieving that freshly baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe, feel free to add smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, or even a little Monterey Jack for a fun twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well for that perfect pizza bite.

How do I make it spicier?

If you love heat, sprinkle sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes over the top before baking. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick throughout the whole pizza.

Can I grill this pizza instead of baking?

Yes! To grill, preheat your grill and place the rolled-out dough directly on the grates for a minute or two until grill marks appear, then flip, add toppings, and finish cooking with the lid closed until the cheese bubbles.

Is it possible to make this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough, and be sure all other ingredients (especially the BBQ sauce) are certified gluten-free. The toppings and flavor stay just as fantastic.

What’s the best way to prep ahead for a party?

You can roll out the dough, cook and shred the chicken, and prep all the toppings hours in advance. When guests arrive, it takes just minutes to assemble and bake. This BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe is a superstar for entertaining!

Final Thoughts

If you ask me, any night is a good night for this BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and just a little sweet — and once you taste that hot, cheesy slice fresh from your own oven, there’s no turning back. Gather your favorite people, crank up the music, and get ready for a pizza night that’s simple, fun, and absolutely delicious!

BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2–4) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of a classic BBQ chicken pizza right in your own kitchen with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or a fun dinner with friends, this homemade pizza is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough:

1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

BBQ Chicken Toppings:

1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
cornmeal or flour for dusting

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle or oval on a floured surface. Transfer it to parchment paper dusted with cornmeal.
Add Toppings: Brush the dough with olive oil, spread BBQ sauce, add chicken, cheese, and onions. Transfer pizza to the hot stone or baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle with more BBQ sauce, sprinkle with cilantro, and slice to serve.