Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a flavorful twist on traditional pizza, combining smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, red onions, and melted cheese on a crispy crust. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or whenever you’re craving something savory, cheesy, and satisfying with a tangy kick. This pizza brings together sweet, smoky, and spicy elements for a mouthwatering experience.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pizza doughcooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)BBQ saucemozzarella cheese (shredded)red onion (thinly sliced)cilantro (chopped, optional)olive oilsalt & peppercornmeal (for dusting, optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.

Lightly brush the dough with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the sauce.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by thinly sliced red onions.

Transfer the pizza to the hot baking stone or sheet (use cornmeal on the bottom if desired for a crispier crust).

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro if using.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 large pizza (8 slices).Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 12-15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap mozzarella with smoked gouda or cheddar for a deeper flavor.

Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper for heat.

Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.

Try a cauliflower crust for a low-carb option.

Drizzle with ranch or extra BBQ sauce before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.For freezing, wrap individual slices in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What BBQ sauce works best?

Use your favorite brand—smoky, sweet, or spicy all work depending on your preference.

Can I make this pizza with store-bought dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works great and saves time.

Is it okay to use leftover grilled chicken?

Absolutely, leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken is ideal.

Can I use red sauce instead of BBQ?

You can, but it will lose the classic BBQ chicken flavor profile.

Do I have to use red onions?

Red onions add a nice sharpness, but you can substitute with white or yellow onions.

Can I make this pizza on a grill?

Yes, grill the dough on one side, flip, then add toppings and finish cooking with the lid closed.

Is cilantro necessary?

No, it’s optional but adds a fresh touch that complements the smoky BBQ flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free pizza crust and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Preheat the baking stone/sheet, don’t overload toppings, and use cornmeal underneath.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use BBQ jackfruit or mushrooms instead of chicken.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pizza is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to make and bursting with bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this pizza delivers a deliciously unique take on a classic. Once you try it, it might just become a new staple in your homemade pizza lineup.