Try Our Juicy BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe Tonight

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this mouthwatering BBQ chicken pizza that combines smoky flavors and crispy crust.

Tender chicken pieces smothered in tangy barbecue sauce create an irresistible topping for pizza lovers.

The combination of melted cheese, caramelized onions, and perfectly grilled chicken will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Quick and easy to prepare, this pizza brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen.

Each slice promises a burst of savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Slice, serve, and watch as this crowd-pleasing pizza becomes the star of your dinner table.

BBQ Chicken Pizza Flavorful Highlights

  • Whip Up Quickly: This BBQ chicken pizza comes together in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust toppings, or use pre-cooked chicken to make this recipe totally flexible for any skill level.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and savory chicken create a mouthwatering blend that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple preparation mean less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal together.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Pizza

Pizza Base:
  • Pizza Crust: A classic foundation for building the perfect pizza.
  • Cornmeal: Helps create a crispy bottom and prevents sticking.
Pizza Toppings:
  • Barbecue Sauce: Provides a tangy and sweet flavor profile for the pizza.
  • Cooked Chicken: Adds protein and smoky barbecue-style flavor.
  • Red Onion: Brings sharp and slightly sweet notes to the pizza.
Cheese and Garnish:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and rich flavor.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Optional herb that adds a bright, fresh finish to the pizza.

Steps for Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Cooking Surface

Heat your oven to 450°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to warm up.

This ensures a crispy, perfectly cooked crust that will make your pizza irresistible.

Step 2: Build Flavor Layers

Generously spread barbecue sauce across the pizza crust, creating a tangy base.

Then add your toppings in a delicious arrangement:
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Grilled or roasted chicken pieces
  • Thinly sliced red onions

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for these mouthwatering signs:
  • Golden-brown crust edges
  • Melted, bubbly cheese
  • Slight caramelization of the onions

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the hot pizza for a burst of herbal freshness.

Slice into wedges and serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the crust is crisp.

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Pizza

  • Place pizza stone or baking sheet in oven during preheating for extra crispy crust.
  • Spread barbecue sauce evenly, leaving small border for crisp edges.
  • Mix mozzarella and cheddar for balanced, melty texture and rich flavor.
  • Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for quick and tender meat topping.
  • Chop fresh cilantro just before adding to maintain bright, vibrant flavor and color.

Tasty Twists for BBQ Chicken Pizza

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu. Use vegan cheese and barbecue sauce for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pizza crust with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pre-made base. Ensure all toppings are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add jalapeños, swap red onions for green onions, and drizzle with chipotle barbecue sauce for extra kick.
  • Mediterranean Style: Replace barbecue sauce with olive oil and herbs. Top with feta cheese, grilled chicken, and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Serving BBQ Chicken Pizza Ideas

  • Pizza Party Platter: Create a colorful spread with sliced BBQ chicken pizza alongside fresh garden salad and crisp vegetable sticks for a complete meal experience.
  • Fresh Herb Drizzle: Enhance flavor by adding extra chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving for a bright, zesty finish that elevates the pizza's taste.
  • Cool Dipping Delight: Prepare a quick ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for guests who enjoy dunking their pizza slices in creamy, tangy sauces.
  • Beverage Pairing: Serve with chilled beer, crisp white wine, or refreshing iced tea that complements the smoky barbecue chicken flavors perfectly.

Storing BBQ Chicken Pizza Fresh

  • – Refrigerate Leftover pizza stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • – Freeze Store slices in a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for maximum 1 month. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
  • – Reheat Warm refrigerated pizza in a preheated oven at 375F for 8-10 minutes. Crisp the crust by placing directly on oven rack or using a pizza stone.
  • – Quick Tip Avoid microwaving to maintain crust's crispness. Toaster oven works great for reheating individual slices without sacrificing texture.

FAQs

  • What type of barbecue sauce works best for this pizza?

Sweet and tangy Kansas City-style or Memphis-style sauces are perfect, giving the pizza a rich, balanced flavor without overpowering other ingredients.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option that adds moist, pre-cooked meat and enhances the pizza’s overall flavor profile.

  • Is a pizza stone necessary for making this recipe?

While a pizza stone helps create a crispy crust, a preheated baking sheet can work as an excellent alternative if you don’t have a stone.

  • What cheese combinations work well for BBQ chicken pizza?

A mix of mozzarella and smoked gouda creates a creamy texture with a deeper, more complex cheese flavor that complements the barbecue sauce perfectly.

Print
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Bbq Chicken Pizza Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savor BBQ chicken pizza’s irresistible blend of smoky, tangy flavors that dance across crispy crust. Juicy chicken, caramelized onions, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made pizza crust
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) barbecue sauce

Garnish and Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) red onion, sliced
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F, positioning a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet inside to ensure an evenly heated surface for crisp crust development.
  2. Generously coat the pizza dough with a layer of tangy barbecue sauce, creating a flavorful base that will infuse the entire pizza with smoky sweetness.
  3. Distribute shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses across the sauced surface, providing a rich and creamy foundation for the toppings.
  4. Arrange tender, chopped grilled chicken pieces evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring each slice will have a balanced distribution of protein.
  5. Sprinkle thinly sliced red onions across the pizza, adding a sharp, crisp element that complements the barbecue sauce and chicken.
  6. Carefully slide the prepared pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet, maintaining the pizza’s shape and toppings.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and melted, bubbling cheese that indicates perfect doneness.
  8. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro leaves, which will add a bright, herbaceous note to the finished pizza.
  9. Allow the pizza to cool for 2-3 minutes, then slice into wedges and serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Notes

  • Always preheat the pizza stone or baking sheet to ensure a crispy, golden crust that doesn’t become soggy.
  • Shred or chop chicken into small, uniform pieces for even distribution and better bite in every slice.
  • Try different barbecue sauce varieties like smoky, spicy, or sweet to customize the pizza’s flavor profile.
  • Fresh cilantro adds a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the rich cheese and barbecue sauce, elevating the overall taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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