BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a delightful twist on traditional pizza with this BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe. Combining smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and melty mozzarella on a crispy crust, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet and brush the edges of the dough with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Shred or chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
3. Step 3: Spread the remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4. Step 4: Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken pieces and sliced red onions over the cheese layer. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Step 6: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top. Slice and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky flavor, try using smoked mozzarella or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before baking.
• Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut and added flavor.
• Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra color and crunch.
• Brush the crust with garlic butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste.

Storage

Store leftover BBQ chicken pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and the crust regains crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pizza dough works well; just make sure to thaw it completely before rolling it out.

What type of BBQ sauce is best for pizza?

Choose a thicker, flavorful BBQ sauce that suits your taste preference—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. Avoid very thin sauces to prevent soggy crust.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Pizza combines a crispy pizza crust with tangy barbecue sauce, tender cooked chicken breast, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh red onions, all topped with vibrant fresh cilantro for a delightful, smoky flavor explosion. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this homemade pizza balances savory and fresh elements for a crowd-pleasing dish.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pizza
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing crust edges)

Chicken Topping

• 1 cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, divided (2 tablespoons for tossing chicken, remaining for spreading on dough)

Cheese & Vegetables

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet. Brush the edges of the dough generously with olive oil for a golden, crisp crust.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Shred or chop your fully cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss these pieces in 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until they are well coated, ensuring the chicken is flavorful and moist.
3. Assemble the Pizza: Evenly spread the remaining BBQ sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese evenly over the barbecue sauce layer.
4. Add Toppings: Distribute the BBQ-coated chicken pieces evenly over the cheese layer. Scatter the thinly sliced red onions on top, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the entire pizza to cover the toppings.
5. Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
6. Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the fresh chopped cilantro over the hot pizza to preserve its bright flavor. Slice with a pizza cutter and serve warm.

Notes

• Use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough for best results depending on preference.
• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before preparing the pizza.
• Don’t overload the pizza with toppings to prevent a soggy crust.
• Add fresh cilantro after baking to maximize its fresh flavor and aroma.
• Brush the dough edges with olive oil to promote a crisp, golden crust.

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Pizza, homemade pizza, barbecue sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh cilantro, baked pizza, chicken pizza