If you’re craving a pizza that perfectly balances smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors, look no further than The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. This crowd-pleaser brings together tender shredded chicken bathed in rich BBQ sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and the sweet bite of red onions and roasted tomatoes, all atop a crisp, golden crust. It’s comfort food elevated with just the right amount of zest, guaranteed to become your go-to pizza for game day, weeknight dinners, or any occasion that calls for a slice of pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each adding a crucial element that builds the flavor profile. These essentials are simple yet pack a punch in taste, texture, and color, making the cooking process enjoyable and rewarding.
- Pizza dough: The foundation of your pizza, providing a crispy yet chewy base that holds all the toppings beautifully.
- BBQ sauce (1/3 cup or more): Adds that smoky, tangy character essential to a classic BBQ chicken flavor.
- Shredded chicken (1–2 cups): Tender, cooked chicken that soaks up the BBQ sauce, making every bite delicious.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts perfectly for that stretchy, gooey texture every pizza needs.
- Red onion slices (1/4 cup): Provides a mild sharpness and crunch to balance the richness.
- Roasted red tomatoes: Bring a sweet, caramelized depth that complements the BBQ sauce wonderfully.
How to Make The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F to get it nice and hot — this high heat ensures the crust bakes up crisp and golden while the cheese melts to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
If not already rolled out, stretch your pizza dough to your desired size. Lightly brush your pizza stone or a large baking sheet with oil to prevent sticking, then carefully place the dough on your prepared surface. This step sets the stage for a crust that’s both crispy on the bottom and airy inside.
Step 3: Layer the BBQ Sauce and Chicken
Spoon about 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the dough as a flavorful base. Take the remaining BBQ sauce and mix it thoroughly with your shredded chicken — this coats the chicken in tangy goodness, infusing each bite with that signature BBQ taste.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings
Next, sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauced dough to create a melty blanket. Then, spread the BBQ-coated chicken evenly on top, followed by red onion slices and those delicious roasted red tomatoes. This layering creates a perfect balance of creamy, smoky, savory, and sweet flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese. Once out, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can elevate the flavors with a subtle, herbaceous note that brightens the whole pizza experience.
How to Serve The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A final touch of fresh cilantro after baking isn’t just for looks — it adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and BBQ sauce, lifting every bite to a new level.
Side Dishes
This BBQ chicken pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or even simple roasted vegetables. The freshness of the sides balances out the savory and smoky flavors of the pizza, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the pizza thinly to serve as bite-sized appetizers at a gathering, or serve alongside crunchy garlic breadsticks to soak up any extra BBQ sauce. Plating it on a wooden board adds rustic charm, perfect for casual dining or entertaining friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ chicken pizza should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen and meld when refrigerated overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen pizza slices maintain their flavor for up to 2 months and make for a quick, delicious meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, bake slices at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from getting soggy and to preserve that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this BBQ pizza?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that delivers tender, flavorful meat, making it perfect for The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe. Just shred it and toss with the BBQ sauce before topping your pizza.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a smoky and slightly sweet BBQ sauce for the perfect balance in this recipe. Whether homemade or store-bought, the sauce should complement without overpowering the other ingredients.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough instead of traditional dough to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is it possible to make this pizza ahead of time?
You can assemble the pizza ahead, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This is great for busy days when you want dinner ready to pop into the oven.
How do I get a crispy crust like at pizzerias?
Using a pizza stone or steel preheated in the oven helps mimic professional pizzeria conditions, ensuring a crisp and evenly cooked crust for The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe — it’s flavorful, easy to make, and always a hit with everyone around the table. If you want to add a new favorite to your meal rotation, this pizza is a must-try that promises to bring smiles and satisfied appetites every time.
Print
The BEST BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pizza recipe features a flavorful combination of tangy barbecue sauce, tender shredded chicken, melted mozzarella, red onions, and roasted tomatoes on a crispy homemade pizza dough base. Perfectly baked to golden brown, this pizza is a delightful twist on classic flavors, making it an ideal meal for casual dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 pizza dough (not frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
BBQ Toppings
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, more if needed
- 1–2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup red onion slices
- Roasted red tomatoes (about 1/4 cup)
- Fresh cilantro, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the pizza to a perfect crisp.
- Prepare the pizza base: Roll out your pizza dough if it isn’t pre-rolled. Lightly brush olive oil onto a pizza stone or large baking sheet, then carefully place the dough onto the prepared surface to prevent sticking.
- Apply the BBQ sauce: Spoon 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce evenly across the surface of the dough. Mix the remaining BBQ sauce with the shredded chicken to infuse it with extra flavor.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the BBQ sauce-covered dough. Next, distribute the BBQ sauced chicken, red onion slices, and roasted red tomatoes evenly on top.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh cilantro to add a burst of fresh flavor before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is shredded finely for even coverage.
- Use a pizza stone for a crisper crust; otherwise, a baking sheet works fine.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste preference.
- Roast your tomatoes ahead for a sweeter, richer flavor or substitute with sundried tomatoes.
- Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes after baking for easier slicing.
