This BBQ Chicken Pizza is a tasty twist on your regular pizza. It’s topped with juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and plenty of cheese, all on a crispy crust!
Who doesn’t love pizza? I like to add a sprinkle of cilantro on top—it just makes it pop! It’s a fun meal for parties or a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for quick prep or make your own for more flavor. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pizza dough options to suit your needs.
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here. It’s full of flavor and saves you time. For a lighter version, try using shredded tofu for a vegetarian option.
BBQ Sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce! If you want a spicier kick, a chipotle BBQ sauce is an excellent choice. You can also make your own sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but don’t hesitate to try pepper jack for some heat or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor. Vegan cheese can work well if you’re dairy-free.
Red Onion: If red onion is too sharp for you, try sweet onions or green onions for a milder taste. You can even omit this if you prefer a simpler pizza.
How Can I Make the Perfect BBQ Chicken Pizza Crust?
The crust can make or break your pizza! A few key points can help you achieve that crispy, golden crust we all love.
- **Preheat Your Oven:** Always use a hot oven. 475°F (245°C) is great for pizza. It helps the crust cook evenly and get crispy.
- **Use a Pizza Stone:** This keeps the bottom of the pizza crispy. Make sure it’s hot before placing your pizza on it.
- **Don’t Overload with Toppings:** It’s tempting, but too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Stick to a moderate amount for the best result.
- **Brush with Olive Oil:** This adds flavor and helps the edges brown nicely. Just a light brush is enough.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious BBQ Chicken Pizza with a fantastic crust every time! Enjoy cooking!
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 12 inches)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing crust)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Estimate
This BBQ Chicken Pizza will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes to bake. So, you can have a delicious pizza ready in approximately 30 minutes!
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up—this will help achieve a crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the cooked chicken with 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce until well coated. This will flavor the chicken perfectly. Set it aside while you work on the dough.
3. Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Aim for an even thickness for the best results!
4. Transfer the Dough
Carefully move the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet that you’ve lightly dusted with cornmeal. This helps the pizza slide easier when baking.
5. Brush the Crust
Take a tablespoon of olive oil and lightly brush it on the edges of the dough. This will help it turn golden and crispy while baking.
6. Add Cheese
Now, evenly spread the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the dough, making sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust.
7. Add BBQ Chicken
Distribute the coated BBQ chicken pieces evenly over the cheese, ensuring every slice will have some tasty chicken.
8. Add Red Onion
Scatter thin slices of red onion on top of the chicken. The onion adds a nice crunch and flavor!
9. Bake the Pizza
Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Drizzle and Garnish
Once out of the oven, drizzle some extra BBQ sauce over the top. Then sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a bright touch.
11. Serve
Slice your BBQ Chicken Pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy every cheesy, smoky bite!
Enjoy your delicious, smoky, and cheesy BBQ Chicken Pizza!
Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce is not only convenient but comes in a variety of flavors. Feel free to choose your favorite one, or experiment with different sauces to find the perfect match for your pizza!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the BBQ chicken and roll out the dough ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the pizza and bake it fresh for the best taste and texture!
How to Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the oven or microwave. For a crispy crust, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes!
Can I Use Different Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your pizza with other toppings. Popular options include bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapeños, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just remember not to overload the pizza to maintain a crispy crust!