Get ready to make a delicious bbq chicken pizza right in your own kitchen! This recipe brings all those beloved, smoky, and tangy flavors together on a crispy crust. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality pie at home. Prepare for a crowd-pleasing meal that will quickly become a family favorite. This guide makes creating the perfect bbq chicken pizza a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making your own bbq chicken pizza is incredibly rewarding and so easy!
- It’s a quick and simple meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- You can customize it with your favorite toppings to suit any taste.
- It’s an excellent way to use up leftover cooked chicken.
- This homemade version often tastes better than takeout options.
- The whole family can enjoy assembling their own slices together.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious bbq chicken pizza recipe. These simple ingredients combine to create a truly irresistible flavor profile.
- Dough for one large pizza: Store-bought or homemade.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie or about 2 chicken breasts.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For gooey perfection.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Your favorite brand.
- 1/4 large red onion: Very thinly sliced.
- Fresh cilantro: To taste, for garnish.
Notes & Substitutions
- Pizza Dough: Use your preferred store-bought fresh dough to save time, or make it from scratch for a personalized touch.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. You can also grill, boil, or bake chicken breasts and then shred them.
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand, whether smoky, sweet, or spicy. Homemade BBQ sauce works wonderfully too.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but try a blend with smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for extra flavor complexity in your chicken pizza.
- Red Onion & Cilantro: Slice the red onion very thinly for the best texture and mildest flavor. Fresh cilantro brightens the entire dish, so don’t skip it!
- Optional Additions: Elevate your pie with pineapple chunks for a sweet kick, crumbled bacon for savory depth, or sliced jalapeños for heat.
Equipment
Gathering your tools before you start makes the process smoother.
- Pizza stone or large baking sheet: For a crispy crust.
- Mixing bowls: To toss the chicken with sauce.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For preparing ingredients.
- Cheese grater: If you are shredding your own block of cheese.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare this amazing bbq chicken pizza. You’ll have a fantastic meal ready in no time.
- Preheat Oven and Dough: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230°C). Place your pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. Once hot, carefully transfer the pizza dough onto the hot surface. Pre-bake the dough for 6 minutes to ensure a wonderfully crispy crust.
- Sauce the Crust: Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Spread a thin, even layer of barbecue sauce over the entire surface of the pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
- First Cheese Layer: Top the sauced crust with a thin layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Scatter the thinly sliced red onion over this cheese layer.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with a few tablespoons of your chosen barbecue sauce. Toss the chicken gently until it is well coated.
- Add Chicken and Onion: Evenly distribute the sauced chicken pieces and remaining red onion over the pizza. Make sure every slice gets a good amount of topping.
- Second Cheese Layer: Sprinkle another generous, thin layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken and onions. This will help bind the toppings and create a golden, bubbly finish.
- Final Bake: Return the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately sprinkle fresh, chopped cilantro over the hot pizza.
- Slice and Enjoy: Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing it into wedges. Serve your homemade bbq chicken pizza hot and enjoy every delicious bite!
Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza
Achieve an amazing homemade pie every time with these helpful hints.
- Sauce Sparingly: Avoid over-saucing the crust, as too much can make the pizza soggy. A thin, even layer is perfect.
- Don’t Overload: While tempting, too many toppings can lead to a dense, undercooked crust. Stick to the suggested amounts.
- Cook Chicken First: Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the pizza. This guarantees even cooking.
To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends that all poultry reach a safe minimum internal temperature. - Pre-bake for Crispness: Pre-baking the dough before adding toppings helps create a wonderfully crispy base, preventing a soggy bottom.
Understanding the culinary principles behind pizza making, such as the baking science behind a crispy pizza crust, can help achieve the best results. - Thin Onions Matter: Slice red onions incredibly thinly. This allows them to soften and caramelize slightly without overpowering the flavors.
- Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the cheese during the final bake. Remove the pizza when it’s perfectly melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown for the best texture.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Make this bbq chicken pizza a complete meal or save it for later.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a light, fresh green salad tossed with a vinaigrette.
- Offer warm garlic knots or crispy breadsticks on the side.
- A classic coleslaw or a dollop of creamy ranch dressing makes a great accompaniment.
Storage
- Store any leftover slices in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
Reheating
- For the best crispness, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes for quick, crispy reheating.
- Microwave slices for a softer texture, about 1-2 minutes, checking often.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy BBQ sauce.
- Sweet & Savory: Include pineapple chunks for a tropical twist on your chicken pizza.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheddar blend.
- Meat Options: Swap the chicken for pulled pork, ground beef, or even sliced turkey.
- Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, corn kernels, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Please note that nutrition information is an estimate. It can vary significantly based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods. This estimate does not include optional additions or variations.
| Amount Per Serving (1 slice) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|
| Calories: 420 | |
| Total Fat: 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat: 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol: 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium: 950mg | 41% |
| Total Carbohydrates: 40g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber: 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars: 9g | |
| Protein: 25g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about making this fantastic bbq chicken pizza.
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Absolutely, using store-bought dough is a perfect shortcut for a quick meal.
- Do I need to cook the chicken before putting it on the pizza? Yes, the chicken must be fully cooked and shredded beforehand since the pizza bakes quickly.
- What kind of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe? Use your favorite BBQ sauce; a balance of sweet and tangy generally works wonderfully.
- Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and slice the onions in advance, but assemble and bake the pizza just before serving.
- How do I prevent a soggy pizza crust? Pre-baking the dough and not overloading with toppings are key steps to a crispy crust.
- Is it possible to freeze leftover BBQ chicken pizza? Yes, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to create the ultimate homemade bbq chicken pizza! This recipe proves that delicious, restaurant-quality meals are easy to achieve in your own kitchen. The smoky chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese will delight everyone at your table. Don’t wait, gather your ingredients and try this simple recipe tonight. We’d love to hear how your pizza turns out, so please share your thoughts and reviews in the comments below!