BBQ Chicken Pizza is a beloved favorite that perfectly combines the rich smokiness of barbecue sauce with the creamy texture of cheese and the tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken. Whether you’re making it from scratch or looking for creative variations, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Bold and Balanced Flavors: A delightful combination of smoky, sweet, and savory notes.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps make this a go-to recipe.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients and adjust flavors to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded smoked gouda cheese (optional, for added smokiness)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Shred the Chicken: If using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Coat in Sauce: Toss the chicken with ½ cup of barbecue sauce to evenly coat.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Roll Out the Dough: Stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
- Transfer to Baking Surface: Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
- Add Toppings: Spread a thin layer of barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Layer the Cheese and Chicken: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and smoked gouda, then evenly distribute the barbecue chicken.
- Add Final Toppings: Scatter red onion slices and the remaining cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Brush the Crust: Lightly brush olive oil around the edges for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and let it cool for a few minutes.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Use a Pizza Stone: A preheated pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Experiment with Cheese: Mix in cheddar or provolone for a richer flavor.
- Grill for Extra Smokiness: Try grilling your pizza for an authentic smoky taste.
- Adjust the BBQ Sauce: Use a spicy, honey, or mustard-based BBQ sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing: This prevents cheese from sliding off and allows flavors to meld.
Variations of BBQ Chicken Pizza
1. Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Add sliced jalapeños and a drizzle of hot sauce for a kick.
2. Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
3. Bacon BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for extra richness.
4. Keto/Low-Carb BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Use a cauliflower or almond flour crust to keep it low-carb.
5. Vegan BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Swap chicken for jackfruit or tofu and use dairy-free cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or coleslaw salad balances the richness.
- Side of Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra BBQ sauce.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Ranch, blue cheese, or extra BBQ sauce elevate the flavors.
- Beverage Pairings: Enjoy with a crisp beer, lemonade, or a smoky red wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in an oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer for a crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Pizza is a must-try for any pizza lover who enjoys bold flavors and a touch of smokiness. Whether you follow this recipe exactly or put your own spin on it, this pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it for your next pizza night and savor every delicious bite!
BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a delicious twist on the classic, featuring a crispy homemade crust, smoky barbecue sauce, juicy grilled chicken, melty mozzarella, and red onions for a perfect balance of flavors. Topped with fresh cilantro, this pizza is great for family dinners, parties, or game nights.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
For the Toppings:
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat and Prepare Chicken
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with 2 tbsp barbecue sauce and smoked paprika (if using).
Roll Out the Dough
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
Assemble the Pizza
- Spread barbecue sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese. Add shredded barbecue chicken and sliced red onions. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Pizza
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before slicing and serving.
Note
- For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
- You can use store-bought pizza dough for a quicker option.
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra spice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Quick, Easy, Homemade, Family-Friendly, Comfort Food
