BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza is the perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, all layered on a crisp, chewy crust. I love making this pizza when I’m craving something bold and comforting—it’s easy to throw together with just a few ingredients, and every slice delivers that satisfying balance of tangy barbecue sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a fun twist on traditional pizza that never gets boring. The barbecue sauce gives it a sweet kick, the chicken adds protein and heartiness, and the red onions and fresh herbs round out the flavor. Whether I’m using store-bought dough or making my own, this pizza is always a hit and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

• Cooked chicken breast or thighs (shredded or chopped)

• Barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)

• Red onion (thinly sliced)

• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

• Olive oil (for brushing the crust)

• Optional: smoked gouda, cheddar, or chili flakes for added flavor

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and prepare a baking sheet or pizza stone.

2. I roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to the baking sheet.

3. I spread a generous layer of barbecue sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

4. I toss the cooked chicken with a bit of barbecue sauce and scatter it evenly over the base.

5. I top the pizza with shredded mozzarella and add thinly sliced red onions.

6. I brush the edges of the crust lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.

7. I bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

8. Once out of the oven, I sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley over the top and slice to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 large pizza (serves about 2–4 people).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: Around 25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use pulled rotisserie chicken to save time . I’ve swapped mozzarella for a mix of smoked gouda and cheddar to deepen the flavor. For a spicy kick, I drizzle a little sriracha or sprinkle on red pepper flakes before baking. I also make mini versions on naan or flatbread for quick lunches.

storage/reheating

I store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes or warm them in a skillet to keep the crust crisp. I avoid microwaving unless I’m in a hurry—it softens the crust.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes. I use pre-made dough or even flatbreads for a shortcut. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling.

What barbecue sauce works best?

I usually go with a smoky or honey BBQ sauce, but any style works. I just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up as a pizza base.

Can I grill this pizza?

Absolutely. I grill the dough on one side first, flip it, then add toppings and finish it on indirect heat until the cheese melts.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. I use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and it still melts and browns nicely with the right brand.

What’s the best chicken to use?

I like using cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat. Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works great too.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Pizza is one of those easy, crowd-pleasing meals I can always count on. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and way more exciting than a plain cheese pizza. Whether I’m serving it for a casual dinner, game night, or just because, this pizza brings smoky, cheesy, saucy goodness to every bite.

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