This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a fun twist on your regular pizza. With juicy chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s bursting with flavor!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just pile it all on dough, bake it, and enjoy—perfect for a weeknight treat or movie night! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, or if you enjoy baking, make your own! If gluten-free is needed, check for gluten-free pizza dough options. My favorite dough is a thin crust that gets nice and crispy!
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is commonly used, but feel free to use rotisserie chicken for ease. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chopped veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers—a great way to keep the flavors lively!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce, or make your own for a personal touch. If you prefer a spicier pizza, look for chipotle or spicy BBQ sauce. It’s always good to taste-test before adding!
Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for that gooey texture, while cheddar adds a nice flavor kick. You can always substitute with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a twist!
Red Onion: If raw onions are too strong for you, consider using green onions or caramelized onions instead for a milder flavor. They add sweetness and pairs excellently with BBQ sauce!
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crispy Crust?
One challenge with pizza is achieving that crispy crust. Here’s how to nail it:
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature—475°F (245°C) is perfect. A hot oven means quicker cooking, which keeps that crust crisp.
- If you’re using a pizza stone, give it at least 30 minutes to heat up. This helps the bottom of the pizza get nicely browned.
- Roll the dough thin! A thinner crust cooks faster and gets crispier. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick.
- Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps with browning.
- Keep an eye on your pizza in the oven. If you notice the cheese is melting nicely, check the crust to ensure it isn’t burning.
Following these steps will help you achieve a wonderfully crispy crust that everyone will love! Enjoy making your BBQ Chicken Pizza!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade, enough for a 12-inch pizza)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 12-15 minutes to bake. So, you can have a delicious pizza ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure to place it in the oven to heat up as well, which helps to create a crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface, shaping it into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. If you’re using a pre-made dough, just gently stretch it with your hands.
3. Set Up the Baking Surface:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes it easier to transfer the pizza to the oven.
4. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Evenly spread 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce over the pizza dough, leaving about half an inch of space around the edges for the crust.
5. Layer on the Chicken:
Distribute the shredded or chopped chicken evenly over the barbecue sauce. You want to make sure every bite has some tasty chicken!
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top of the chicken. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it’s what makes the pizza extra delicious!
7. Add the Onions:
Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over the cheese. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.
8. Brush the Crust (Optional):
If you like, you can brush the edges of the crust with olive oil to help it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven (onto the pizza stone if using) and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a golden crust and bubbly cheese!
10. Final Touch:
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce on top for added flavor.
11. Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley on top for a lovely finishing touch.
12. Slice and Serve:
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza with friends or family!
Dig in and enjoy every bite of your BBQ Chicken Pizza!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce saves time and comes in various flavors. Just choose your favorite brand, or experiment with different ones to find the taste you love best!
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken?
If you want a vegetarian option, consider using veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even plant-based proteins. You can still enjoy the BBQ flavor while accommodating dietary preferences!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftover pizza, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving for the best texture!
Can I Freeze the Pizza Before Baking?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
