Pizza lovers, rejoice! If you’re a fan of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors, BBQ Chicken Pizza is about to become your new favorite meal. This mouthwatering pizza combines the savory goodness of barbecued chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce, topped with gooey cheese and a crispy crust. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving something new, this BBQ Chicken Pizza will hit the spot every time. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious pizza from scratch, along with tips, swaps, and storage options.
Who is This Recipe For?
BBQ Chicken Pizza is ideal for anyone who enjoys bold flavors but wants to steer away from traditional pizza toppings. It’s perfect for families, couples, or even those who love to experiment with new pizza ideas. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and can be customized to your liking.
Why BBQ Chicken Pizza is Perfect for Any Occasion
This recipe is versatile and great for multiple occasions. Planning a casual family dinner? BBQ Chicken Pizza is a hit with both kids and adults. Hosting friends for a weekend gathering? This pizza’s smoky barbecue sauce and tender chicken will have your guests asking for seconds. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of making BBQ Chicken Pizza, let’s start with the basics. Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious pizza:
- 1 pound of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil for brushing the crust
- Cornmeal for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions for BBQ Chicken Pizza
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure an evenly crisp crust.
2. Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness. If you like a crispy crust, roll it thinner; for a chewier bite, keep it a bit thicker.
3. Add BBQ Sauce
Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce across the dough, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges for the crust. This sauce will act as your pizza base instead of traditional tomato sauce.
4. Top with Chicken and Cheese
Evenly distribute the shredded chicken over the BBQ sauce. Follow with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, ensuring each bite will have gooey goodness.
5. Add Onion and Bake
Scatter the thinly sliced red onions across the pizza. Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the pizza is out of the oven, garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro for an added burst of flavor. Slice and serve immediately while it’s still hot.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make BBQ Chicken Pizza, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife for slicing
Tips for Making the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Speed up the process by using leftover grilled chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store.
- Opt for a Smoky BBQ Sauce: A smoky, tangy BBQ sauce adds a deeper flavor to the pizza. Sweet Baby Ray’s and Stubbs are great options.
- Cheese Matters: While mozzarella is the classic pizza cheese, adding a bit of smoked Gouda to the mix enhances the overall flavor.
- Brush the Crust with Olive Oil: For a golden, crispy crust, brush the edges with olive oil before baking.
Recipe Variations and Swaps
Want to switch things up? Here are some variations and swaps you can try:
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can still use the BBQ sauce for a flavorful twist.
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Pizza: Add a few slices of jalapeño or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the pizza some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Mix up your cheese game by using cheddar, smoked Gouda, or even blue cheese for a richer flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Pizza
If you have leftovers (which might be a challenge!), you can store them for later. Wrap any remaining slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. BBQ Chicken Pizza will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, wrap the pizza in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat BBQ Chicken Pizza
To reheat, place the pizza slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the crust crispy.
Food and Drink Pairings
BBQ Chicken Pizza pairs wonderfully with light and refreshing sides or drinks. Try serving it with:
- A crisp Caesar salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the pizza.
- For drinks, go for a chilled glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer like a pilsner to complement the smoky BBQ flavors.
BBQ Chicken Pizza: A Great Family Dinner Idea
This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe is a winner for family dinners or even special gatherings. The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, savory chicken, and gooey cheese makes it a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy enough to make even on busy weeknights!
Can You Freeze BBQ Chicken Pizza?
Yes, BBQ Chicken Pizza freezes exceptionally well! If you want to prepare it in advance, follow the instructions up until baking, then freeze the assembled pizza. When you’re ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
