Ultimate BBQ Chicken Pizza: Sweet, Smoky, and Cheesy Delight

Written by Sarah Gardner

BBQ Chicken Pizza is where comfort food meets gourmet flavor. This pie combines smoky barbecue sauce, tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a delightful crunch of red onions and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a family dinner or a game-day crowd-pleaser, this pizza delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. With a crispy crust and a simple assembly process, it’s a fun twist on traditional pizza that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

BBQ Chicken pizza

Classic BBQ Chicken Pizza

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet
  • Pizza Cutter
  • Pastry Brush

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ¾ cup warm water

For the Toppings

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce your favorite brand
  • 1 cup cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded smoked gouda optional, for extra smokiness
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
    single kneaded pizza dough

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Toss the shredded chicken in 2 tablespoons of barbecue sauce to coat evenly. Set aside.
    medium-sized stainless steel mixing bowl filled with chopped rotisserie chicken

Preheat Oven

  1. Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 15 minutes.

Roll Out Dough

  1. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle on parchment paper.

Assemble the Pizza

  1. Spread barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  2. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and gouda cheeses. Distribute the chicken and red onions evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.

Bake

  1. Transfer the pizza (with parchment) to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Finish with Cilantro

  1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Slice and serve hot!

Pairings

  • Serve this pizza with a crisp side salad, like arugula with a lemon vinaigrette, to balance the richness.
  • A cold beer, like a pale ale or wheat beer, complements the smoky BBQ flavors perfectly.
  • For dessert, keep it simple with vanilla ice cream or a fruit tart.

FAQs

1. What type of chicken should I use?

Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option. You can also use grilled, baked, or even leftover chicken breast or thigh meat.

2. Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely! Most grocery stores offer excellent pre-made pizza dough to save time.

3. What barbecue sauce works best?

Choose one that fits your taste. Sweet, smoky, or spicy all work well, depending on your preference

4. Can I customize the toppings?

Yes! Add bacon, pineapple, jalapeños, or even bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

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