BBQ Chicken Pizza

When the smell of tangy BBQ chicken fills the air and the cheese bubbles to a golden perfection, you know it’s pizza night. This BBQ Chicken Pizza comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The harmony of smoky BBQ sauce and gooey mozzarella creates a delightful flavor combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This recipe is perfect for pizza lovers and anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. It’s great for family evenings, game day celebrations, or as a fun dish to share with friends. If you’re planning ahead, you can easily prepare the pizza dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days for a quick evening meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The crust is crispy and chewy, providing the perfect base for toppings.
• Each bite is packed with flavorful BBQ chicken and melted cheese.
• Fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness right before serving.
• It’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza.

For the Dough

• 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing

For the Toppings

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, divided
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Use your favorite BBQ sauce for best results.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken breast: rotisserie chicken works well
• Mozzarella: provolone or cheddar can be used
• Red onion: shallots are a milder option
• Cilantro: parsley provides a different flavor

How to Make It

Start by preparing your pizza for the oven.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) to achieve a perfectly crispy crust.

Roll Out the Dough

Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet and brush the edges with olive oil.

Toss the Chicken

Shred or chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and toss with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce until well coated.

Spread the Sauce

Spread remaining BBQ sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Add Toppings

Distribute the BBQ chicken pieces and sliced red onions evenly over the cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Pizza

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle fresh cilantro over the hot pizza before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure your oven is fully preheated for a crisp crust.
• Don’t overload with sauce to prevent a soggy pizza.
• Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
• Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors for variety.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with cold beverages during game days.
• Offer as an appetizer for casual get-togethers.