Sizzling BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe: Bold Backyard Flavors

Sinking your teeth into a delectable BBQ chicken pizza promises an explosion of mouthwatering sensations that dance across your palate.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create a perfect harmony of smoky and sweet flavors.

Crispy crust provides the ideal foundation for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Classic ingredients get a bold makeover with tangy barbecue sauce and caramelized onions.

Succulent pieces of grilled chicken add protein and depth to every slice.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style favorite with simple ingredients and minimal preparation.

You’ll be amazed how quickly this pizza becomes a weekend dinner champion that everyone craves.

BBQ Chicken Pizza: What Makes This Flavor Combo So Satisfying

• Swap ingredients to match your taste preferences or use leftover chicken for a budget-friendly meal that never gets boring.
• Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy BBQ flavor combined with melty cheese and tender chicken.
• Minimal prep work means you can create a restaurant-quality pizza at home without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need for BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Flavorful Twist

• Pizza Crust: A foundation for holding all the delicious toppings.
• BBQ Sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that provides a signature flavor profile.

• Chicken: Shredded protein that adds substantial and hearty flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy cheese that melts beautifully and connects all ingredients.
• Red Onion: A sharp and crisp vegetable that provides a nice texture and bite.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Fresh Cilantro: A bright herb that adds a fresh and aromatic finish.
• Olive Oil: A light coating that helps with crust browning and adds subtle richness.

How to Assemble and Bake BBQ Chicken Pizza with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 220C (425F) and let it heat up completely.

This high temperature ensures a crispy, golden crust that’ll make your pizza irresistible.

Step 2: Dress The Chicken

In a mixing bowl, toss your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until every piece is beautifully coated.

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to amplify the flavor profile.

Step 3: Create Your Pizza Canvas

Grab your pizza dough and spread it across a baking sheet.

Drizzle a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the base, creating a tangy foundation.

• Saucy BBQ chicken
• Mozzarella cheese
• Thinly sliced red onions

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide your pizza into the hot oven and let it transform for 15-20 minutes.

• Golden brown crust
• Melted, bubbly cheese
• Edges turning crisp and appetizing

Step 5: Finish With Flair

Pull out your masterpiece and shower it with freshly chopped cilantro.

Slice into wedges and serve immediately while it’s steaming hot and bursting with flavor.

Tried-and-True Tips for Better BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Choose a high-quality, tangy BBQ sauce for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste.
• Shred chicken finely and let it marinate in BBQ sauce for 10-15 minutes before topping to enhance flavor absorption.
• Grate mozzarella evenly to ensure consistent melting and prevent cheese clumping on the pizza.
• Slice red onions paper-thin for a delicate texture and balanced flavor that complements the BBQ chicken.
• Use a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet to achieve a perfectly crisp and golden pizza base.

How to Keep BBQ Chicken Pizza Fresh for Later

• Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps.
• Place pizza slice in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover with a lid for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness and heat evenly.

Great Sides That Go Well with BBQ Chicken Pizza

• Pair Zesty Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA or amber ale that complements the smoky BBQ chicken, cutting through the richness with its crisp, citrusy notes and balancing the pizza's bold flavors.
• Create Crisp Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette and quick-pickled red onions to provide a fresh, acidic counterpoint that refreshes the palate between pizza bites.
• Match Cooling Dipping Sauce: Whip up a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing with chopped herbs, offering a cool, smooth texture that softens the pizza's spicy and smoky undertones.
• Select Bright White Wine: Choose a chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc with slight sweetness and high acidity, which beautifully cuts through the pizza's rich cheese and barbecue flavors while enhancing the overall taste experience.

Fun Variations to Try with BBQ Chicken Pizza at Home

• Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Pizza: Replace traditional pizza crust with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pre-made pizza base for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute chicken with plant-based pulled jackfruit or BBQ tofu. Use dairy-free cheese like cashew mozzarella and add smoky tempeh crumbles for protein.
• Low-Carb Version: Create a cauliflower pizza crust or use a large portobello mushroom cap as the base. Top with shredded chicken, reduced BBQ sauce, and low-fat cheese.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add jalapeños, swap red onions for green onions, incorporate pepper jack cheese, and drizzle with chipotle BBQ sauce for extra heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• Can I make this pizza with other meats?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pulled pork, shredded beef, or even cooked ground turkey for different flavor profiles.

• What if I don't have fresh cilantro?

No problem! You can use dried cilantro or skip it entirely. Some people prefer parsley as an alternative garnish.

• Is it possible to make this pizza healthier?

Absolutely! Use whole wheat pizza crust, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition.

• How do I prevent the pizza from getting soggy?

Use a thin layer of BBQ sauce, ensure your chicken isn’t too wet, and pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings to create a crispier base.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken pizza combines zesty flavors with smoky grilled chicken and tangy sauce. Crispy crust and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1 cup (240 ml) cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 220C (425F), ensuring a hot environment for crispy pizza crust.
2. Thoroughly combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, massaging the sauce to evenly coat the meat and enhance flavor depth.
3. Stretch pizza dough across a baking sheet, creating a smooth, even base for toppings.
4. Drizzle a thin, uniform layer of BBQ sauce across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for a classic pizza rim.
5. Distribute BBQ-coated chicken generously across the sauce, ensuring balanced coverage.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture.
7. Scatter thinly sliced red onions across the pizza for a sharp, tangy contrast.
8. Transfer pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Remove pizza from oven and immediately garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro for a bright, herbal finish.
10. Allow pizza to cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice into wedges and serve hot for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap regular pizza dough with cauliflower or gluten-free crust for a healthier, low-carb alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• Keep chicken moist by marinating in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking, ensuring tender and deeply flavored meat.
• Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for extra depth and complexity in the pizza’s taste profile.
• Control spice levels by selecting mild or spicy BBQ sauce, making the recipe adaptable to different heat preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg