This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on your usual pizza night! It’s topped with tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese—everything yummy in one bite!
Just imagine the gooey cheese and smoky flavor together—so good that you might just skip the fork! I love serving it with a simple salad for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but homemade dough will taste even fresher. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, many grocery stores have gluten-free pizza dough available.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is fantastic for this recipe. If you’re vegetarian, try using jackfruit or tofu marinated in BBQ sauce as a delicious alternative!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce—smoky, sweet, or spicy works well! If you’re avoiding sugar, you can find sugar-free sauces or make your own simply with tomato sauce and spices.
Mozzarella Cheese: While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to mix in some cheddar or gouda for extra flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, there are vegan cheeses that melt nicely too.
Red Onion: Red onions add a crunchy texture and sharp bite. If it’s too strong for you, use green onions or cooked onions for a milder flavor.
How Do I Get My Pizza Dough Perfectly Crispy?
Getting a crispy pizza crust is all about preparation and baking! Follow these handy tips to achieve a great texture:
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat to a high temperature like 475°F (245°C) to start the cooking process strong.
- Use a Pizza Stone: If you have one, place it in the oven as it heats up. The stone helps create a crispy bottom by absorbing moisture.
- Don’t Overload with Toppings: Stick to the recommended amounts of sauce, cheese, and toppings. Too much can make your crust soggy!
- Watch Your Time: Bake for 12-15 minutes and keep an eye on it. The cheese should be bubbly and edges golden brown.
With these tips, you’ll have a pizza with a perfect crunch and a delicious combination of flavors!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 12 inches in diameter)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for making this BBQ Chicken Pizza is about 30 minutes. This includes 10 minutes for preparation and about 15-20 minutes for baking, depending on your oven. It’s a quick dinner idea that the whole family can enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it’s heating up so it gets nice and hot.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough until it’s about 12 inches in diameter. It can be a little thicker or thinner, depending on how you like your crust.
3. Prepare Your Pizza Base:
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes it easier to move to the oven later.
4. Add the Barbecue Sauce:
Spread the barbecue sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Be generous but don’t drown the dough!
5. Top with Chicken:
Sprinkle the shredded cooked chicken evenly across the barbecue sauce. This adds protein and makes it hearty.
6. Add Red Onions:
Distribute the thinly sliced red onions over the top. They’ll add a nice crunch and tangy flavor!
7. Cheese Time:
Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of everything. This is where it gets deliciously gooey!
8. Baking:
If you’re using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone in the oven. If you’re using a baking sheet, just pop it into the oven as is. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the crust are golden brown.
9. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Lightly drizzle olive oil on top for extra flavor.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the pizza for a bit of color and freshness before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza—each bite is packed with tangy barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, sweet onions, and melty cheese that is sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Using your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce makes this recipe quick and easy. Just pick one that you enjoy for the best flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or marinated tofu. Make sure to use a vegetarian BBQ sauce for full adherence to a vegetarian diet.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pizza?
Yes! You can freeze leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It’s best consumed within a month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for a crispy texture.
What Can I Serve with BBQ Chicken Pizza?
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or coleslaw to balance the flavors. You can also serve it with some garlic bread on the side for a more filling meal!
