Get ready to wow your family and friends with this irresistible Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza! Imagine thin, golden crust slathered with tangy BBQ sauce, topped with juicy chicken, melty mozzarella and cheddar, sweet red onions, and a shower of fresh cilantro. Every bite offers the perfect balance of smokiness, creaminess, and just a hint of sweetness. This recipe makes pizza night easy, quick, and absolutely unforgettable — if you’re looking for a new favorite, this is the one to try!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza at home couldn’t be more straightforward, and every ingredient truly shines here. From the chewy dough to the zippy barbecue sauce, each layer adds its own special flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s what you’ll need to get your pizza party started:
- Pizza dough (1 pound): This is your canvas — go for fresh store-bought or homemade dough for that perfect chewy, crisp base.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): Sweet, smoky, and tangy, this gives your pizza its signature flavor — choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded (1 cup): Tender and protein-packed, rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience and extra flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully, blanketing your pizza in stretchy, gooey goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a subtle sharpness and gorgeous color contrast on top.
- Red onion, thinly sliced (1/4 cup): Gives a gentle crunch and a hint of sweetness with every bite.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup): Brings a pop of brightness that cuts through all the rich, bold flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Brushing the dough prevents sogginess and helps the crust crisp up golden-brown.
- Cornmeal for dusting (optional): A little under your dough makes for easy sliding and adds a pleasant crunch.
How to Make Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by cranking your oven up to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, this is the moment to place it in the oven to preheat. High heat is your ticket to that pizzeria-style crust — crisp on the edges, yet still tender inside.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle. Don’t stress about getting it perfectly round! The key is to keep it even so the whole pizza bakes up just right. If you’re using a pizza peel or baking sheet, dust it with cornmeal to keep sticking at bay.
Step 3: Prepare the Base
Gently transfer your shaped dough to your prepared baking sheet or peel. Brush the surface with olive oil. This not only imparts subtle flavor, but it also creates a barrier so your crust doesn’t get soggy under the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Toppings
Spread the BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, making sure to leave a little border for the crust. Now pile on the shredded chicken, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella, a sprinkle of cheddar, and those beautiful, thinly sliced red onions for crunch and color.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer your pizza to the oven (onto the stone, if using) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling cheese top and a gorgeously golden crust. Every oven is different, so keep a close eye in the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
Step 6: Add Those Finishing Touches
As soon as your Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza emerges hot from the oven, sprinkle over the chopped fresh cilantro. The green burst of flavor and color takes this pizza straight over the top. Now slice it up and call everyone to the table!
How to Serve Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra cilantro is classic, but don’t stop there! Try scattering a few sliced green onions or jalapeño rings for heat. If you like a creamy finish, a drizzle of ranch or a little swirl of extra BBQ sauce is a fun twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For a hearty, comfort-style meal, serve it with oven fries, roasted corn, or a simple cucumber salad — these sides complement the smoky-sweet theme beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn pizza night into an event! Cut your pizza into small squares or strips and serve alongside toothpicks for a shareable party appetizer. Or make individual mini pizzas so everyone can customize their own toppings. It’s also fun to set up a “build your own” station and let kids or guests get creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza, wrap individual slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, ready for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this pizza! Once fully cooled, wrap slices or whole portions well in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When pizza cravings hit, you’ll be so glad you did.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover pizza in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 6–8 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the cheese melty. The microwave works in a pinch, but you may lose that freshly-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a huge time-saver and works wonderfully. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping for the best texture and easier rolling.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this recipe?
The beauty of Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza is its versatility — use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing store-bought sauce with a little honey, chipotle, or extra spice to put your own spin on it.
Can I swap out the cheeses?
Definitely! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic, smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack would be delicious, too. Feel free to get creative or use up what’s in the fridge.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicy?
Of course! Adding sliced jalapeños gives it a perfect kick, or you can sprinkle on a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking. A spicy BBQ sauce is another fantastic option if you want a bolder flavor.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Brushing the dough lightly with olive oil before adding the sauce creates a barrier that helps prevent sogginess. Spreading the sauce evenly (not too thick) and baking at high heat are the other tricks to pizza with a crisp, sturdy base.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate quick and flavor-packed dinner, this Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza will not disappoint. Give it a try, have fun with the toppings, and get ready for happy faces and empty plates at your table!
Print
Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. With a crispy crust, tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheeses, this pizza is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough
BBQ Chicken Topping:
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cornmeal for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone in the oven to heat.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
- Add toppings: Brush dough with olive oil, spread BBQ sauce, add chicken, cheeses, and onion.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with cilantro, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Try adding sliced jalapeños or smoked Gouda for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/4 pizza)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
